Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Inspector of Prisons recommended in his 2010 Annual Report that an independent audit be commissioned by the Irish Prison Service examining the type of education being provided in prisons, the relevance of such education, the numbers being educated and the value for money being provided. The audit's findings are currently being assessed in consultation with the Department of Education and Skills and the Vocational Education Committees (VECs) with a view to the early implementation of improvements.

Prisoners are encouraged to participate in education activities and waiting lists where they occur are generally for the more popular educational programmes. Where demand exists for specific courses every effort is made to facilitate prisoners in the shortest period of time.

The Education Unit in Mountjoy continues to run drama courses for prisoners. Teachers find that it can be the first step to a wider engagement in education for prisoners who often have very poor educational attainment. It is also a valuable tool in helping prisoners explore issues around personal development. While school tours are available in a limited capacity in some institutions, I am informed that Mountjoy Prison is not in a position to facilitate such tours at this time for operational and security reasons.