Clare Daly (Dublin Fingal, Independent)
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317. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the date on which a planned review of the Irish Prison Service's national incentivised regimes policy will be completed; the tendering process of this review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39277/17]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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I am advised by the Irish Prison Service that the Incentivised Regimes Policy was introduced on a phased basis across all prisons in 2012 and is now operational in all institutions. The Incentivised Regimes Policy, provides for differentiation of privileges between prisoners according to their level of engagement with services and quality of behaviour. The objective is to provide tangible incentives to prisoners to participate in structured activities and to reinforce good behaviour, leading to a safer and more secure environment.

There are three levels of privilege - basic, standard and enhanced, with different criteria and privileges associated with each level of regime. The list of privileges additional to core privileges varies between prisons, and within different areas of a prison, depending on the operational and infrastructure requirements of each prison. Experience in other jurisdictions has shown that a tiered incentivised regime structure is a hugely valuable addition to prisons in the context of maintaining good order, and in motivating prisoners to engage in constructive activities. Since the introduction of the Incentivised Regimes Programme, the Irish Prison Service has witnessed a considerable reduction in assaults in prisons. Incentivised Regimes is part of a multifaceted approach to improving outcomes for prisoners by promoting the benefits of active participation in their own rehabilitation and behavioural reform.

The Irish Prison Service is committed to working to ensure the continuing integrity of the Incentivised Regimes Policy and is currently finalising arrangements for the conducting of a review.

It is not intended to tender for an external review of the Incentivised Regimes Programme at this time. The Irish Prison Service in partnership with the Prison Officers’ Association are finalising terms of reference and a research plan to conduct a detailed review of practices and procedures in prisons to inform future development of the policy, supporting systems and staff training. It is intended to invite an independent academic research partner with a demonstrated background in criminal justice to participate in the steering group for this review.