Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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586. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the amount spent annually on contracts for the provision of prison visitor centres at all prisons here; the way prison visitor centres are currently managed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30430/15]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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I am advised by the Irish Prison Service that it provides annual funding to St. Vincent de Paul to manage prison visitor centres at Cloverhill, Mountjoy and Midlands prisons. This is a vital part of the service provision for prisoners and their families. These visitor centres provide a hospitable, safe, caring and supportive environment for children and families of prisoners, many of whom are in a vulnerable state prior to and after a prison visit. They provide childcare services, play areas with arts and crafts facilities and support for families dealing with the impact of imprisonment.

Bedford Row operates the visitor centre services at Limerick Prison, which is part funded by the Irish Prison Service, and includes the dispensing of refreshments, providing play materials to children and also befriending and information provision. Bedford Row also has an active prisoner family support service at its premises in Bedford Row. Women's Life-skills Groups, Men's Group and a drop in facility all support the importance of the family unit. Targeted work with prisoners' children is also a focus of the work of the Centre - including play therapy.

There is a small visitor centre at Castlerea Prison which is run by the Roscommon Partnership. The Irish Prison Service is not involved in the running or funding of this centre.

The total annual funding for St. Vincent de Paul and Bedford Row is €617,823.

Plans are currently under consideration for the refurbishment of the visitor centre in Wheatfield Prison and the service provision aspect of this project has already been the subject of an expressions of interest process. A service supplier has been identified and I am informed a contract for the provision of this service is currently being negotiated between this party and the Irish Prison Service. It is envisaged that this project will commence before year end.