Written answers

Thursday, 10 December 2020

Department of Justice and Equality

Prison Facilities

Photo of Bernard DurkanBernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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365. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the degree to which repeat offenders are successfully segregated from first-time offenders in all prisons throughout the country; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42820/20]

Photo of Helen McEnteeHelen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The Irish Prison Service is committed to the provision of safe, secure and humane custody for people who are sent to prison in this State.  

I am advised by my officials in the Irish Prison Service that there is a standard operational procedure in place to ensure that upon committal, all offenders are assessed and accommodated appropriately according to their needs and specific security status. 

Dedicated committal units have been established in all committal prisons for this purpose. 

I am advised that to automatically segregate first time committals from the general prisoner population would greatly reduce their access to services. 

The Irish Prison Service provides a wide range of rehabilitative programmes that include education, vocational training, healthcare, psychiatric, psychological, counselling, welfare and spiritual services.

These programmes are available in all prisons and all prisoners are eligible to use the services and every effort is taken by the Service to ensure that prisoners are accommodated appropriately to ensure that they can avail of as many rehabilitative programmes and services as possible.

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