Vol. 555 No. 5
352 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the information he has on international comparisons on the cost of running prisons compared to Ireland, and on the reoffending rates in other countries compared to Ireland. [18961/02]
The cost of keeping an offender in prison in Ireland in 2001 was estimated at €79,000. While comprehensive information on rates of recidivism in Ireland is not generally available, I have sought comparative information from prison authorities in neighbouring jurisdictions in relation to prison costs and reoffending rates. I will revert to the Deputy with such information when it becomes available.
