Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)
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Question 572: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the cost of spending on sports equipment in each prison in both 2010 and 2011; the corresponding figure for balls; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36177/12]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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I can inform the Deputy that the financial records of the Irish Prison Service show the following breakdown of expenditure on sports equipment and footballs in each prison during 2010 and 2011. The breakdown for balls in the table below refers to footballs only, it is not possible to include the figure for other balls e.g. snooker balls, tennis balls, pool balls etc.

The Deputy will appreciate there are significant benefits to be gained from involvement in physical education be it in a community setting or in the prison environment. In the prison setting physical education affords prisoners the opportunity to take control of one aspect of their daily life, their physical well-being, with the potential knock-on effect of increasing their motivation and confidence to tackle other identified issues such as substance abuse, taking up education or work / training opportunities.

It is also recognised that physical education, sport and recreation plays a significant role in the management of prison life by providing positive outlets for energy.

All 2011 expenditure figures are provisional at this stage pending finalisation of the Appropriation Account.