Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

344. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the current annual cost per prisoner in the Irish Prison Service; and the way these costs changed each year from 2008 to 2015. [9178/15]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I can advise the Deputy that the Irish Prison Service calculates the average cost of an available staffed prison space. This information is available on the Irish Prison Service's website www.irishprisons.ie.

It should be noted that the methodology for measuring costs across the prison estate was reviewed in 2008. The previous approach (Cost of Keeping an Offender) did not give consideration to the various factors that drive costs.

The revised methodology, which was introduced in 2009, is of greater benefit in the financial management of the Service than the one previously used as it facilitates the strategic measuring and comparing of costs across the prison estate. The methodology now used excludes costs which are not under the direct control of the Irish Prison Service. Therefore, the teachers' salary costs are excluded from this exercise as these costs are not provided for under the Prisons budget allocation. Similarly, capital expenditure, including building/equipment assets and small works, is excluded from the calculations in the interest of facilitating comparison between prison types.

The annual cost per available, staffed prison space since 2008 is outlined in the table. The 2014 figures will be published on the Irish Prison Service website when finalised and will be subject to audit by the Comptroller and Auditor General.The figures for available, staffed prison space are based on the average bed capacity in each institution for the year in question.

The following costs are included in the calculations:

Accommodation - Related Variable Costs – maintenance & repairs; light, heat & power; service contracts; cleaning & waste disposal; water charges; environmental and health & safety costs.

Prisoner - Related Variable Costs – catering; healthcare; prisoner gratuities; work training (excluding building/equipment assets and small works); clothing, bedding etc.; educational materials; motor vehicles (maintenance & fuel, etc.); recreational facilities; laundry; drug detection and visiting clergy.

Prisoner - Related Fixed Costs – custodial pay; travel; telecommunications; uniforms and office supplies, etc.

Non-Custodial Costs (incl. Prisoner Escorts) – non-custodial pay; non-custodial operations and administration costs and compensation payments.