Aodhán Ó Ríordáin (Dublin Bay North, Labour)
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16. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills to report on the Departmental subgroup on education in prisons that was proposed to be established; if it has been established; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8220/24]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The Prison Education Taskforce, which I co-chair with Minister for Law Reform, James Browne TD, was established last May. With representatives from both Departments, the Irish Prison Service, SOLAS, the National Apprenticeship Office, Education and Training Boards Ireland, the Probation Service, Maynooth University and former prisoners, the Taskforce aims to improve education and upskilling opportunities for prisoners to support their rehabilitation and employment post-release.

Working collaboratively, the Taskforce is driving new innovative approaches. A retrofit pilot programme commenced yesterday, initially in the Midlands Prison. This Retrofit Skills Course at QQI Level 5 was developed in partnership between the National Construction Training Campus under Laois Offaly ETB and the Irish Prison Service. On completion, participants will be qualified to carry out retrofitting work. Our goal is that post release, participants will be able to avail of the many employment opportunities arising in this expanding sector.

The Taskforce is also progressing the roll out of apprenticeships in prison, having identified the Commis-Chef Apprenticeship and the pilot new Painting and Decorating Apprenticeship as significant opportunities.

The first FET Information Day took place in Mountjoy Prison, advising prisoners on education and training options both pre and post release, last November. Similar events are scheduled for the Midlands and Wheatfield Prisons. NALA’s Peer to Peer Literacy ambassador programme has been rolled out across 7 locations and will expand its reach this year. The Irish Prison Service is progressing a digital transformation programme to ensure a joined up approach to the use of technology in Prisons.

Building on the Prison Education and Work and Training Services operated across the prisons, these innovations demonstrate the significant impact of the work of the Taskforce to date.