Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 16 Apr 1997

Vol. 477 No. 6

Written Answers. - Prison Recreation Facilities.

Ivor Callely

Question:

101 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Justice if she will list the recreational facilities available to prisoners; the proposals, if any, she has to alter such facilities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10119/97]

Ivor Callely

Question:

102 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Justice the recent initiatives, if any, in respect of recreation facilities for prisoners in outdoor pursuits; if she will list the indoor and outdoor facilities or activities which are provided; the supports, if any, in place for the provision of such facilities or activities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10120/97]

Minister for Justice (Mrs. Owen)

I propose to take Questions Nos.101 and 102 together.

Each of the prisons or places of detention under the aegis of my Department provide both outdoor and indoor recreational facilities for inmates. The actual facilities available varies from institution to institution. The outdoor facilities provide for exercise on a group and individual basis, where jogging, football, volley ball, and other such activities can take place. All institutions have a supervised gymnasium which is used by inmates for a range of activities. Supervision is provided by a qualified instructor. Other facilities which are available in all institutions include television and video showings in a communal area. Indoor activities such as snooker, pool, table tennis and board games are available at set times. Limited library facilities are available in all prisons and newspapers and magazines are available on request.

The level and standard of all services, including recreational ones, provided for prisoners are closely monitored by my Department and are reviewed, on an ongoing basis.

Ivor Callely

Question:

103 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Justice the cost to the Exchequer for the provision of a qualified gymnasium instructor to provide supervised gymnastics or exercise to an individual prisoner on an individual basis. [10121/97]

Minister for Justice (Mrs. Owen)

The pay cost of a qualified prison officer-gym instructor including allowances is £19,110 per annum, based on the mid-point of the scale. The cost is the same irrespective of the number of prisoners being supervised. Prisoners tend to use the gymnasia extensively and one-to-one instruction would be extremely rare.

Ivor Callely

Question:

104 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Justice the cost to the Exchequer for the supply of newspapers and magazines to prisons in 1996; if she will list the newspapers and magazines which were provided; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10122/97]

Minister for Justice (Mrs. Owen)

Prisoners may purchase newspapers and magazines at their own expense. Newpapers and magazines are, however, purchased for official purposes as is the practice in the rest of the Civil Service. In addition, newspapers and magazines are purchased for use in prison libraries and education units as part of literacy and reading programmes — these incorporate reading material for all levels of literacy. The total cost to the Exchequer for the supply of newspapers and magazines to prisons in 1996 was £16,049.59.

The newspapers and magazines supplied in 1996 are broadly similar to those provided in 1995, as outlined in Parliamentary Question No. 223 dated 2 April 1996.