Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 October 2007
150 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when the education centre for young offenders at Mountjoy was opened; the persons who work at same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22579/07]
View answerI take it the Deputy is referring to the Special School in St Patrick's Institution, which is located in the Mountjoy Complex, and was opened on 14 April 2007.
All staff are trained in Adolescent Behaviour Management before they commence working in this new unit. The staffing levels are 13 prison staff Monday to Friday and 9 prison staff at weekends. Prison staff comprise prison officers performing general security duties, prison officers trained as NCEF Fitness Instructors and Assistant Industrial Supervisors providing instruction in both Home Economics and Industrial Skills.
There are also between 2 and 4 teachers operating in the new school during any teaching period. General education subjects include English, Irish, Maths, History and Geography, Arts & Crafts, and Computer Skills. Fitness and exercise programmes, and Domestic Science including hygiene and cooking skills programmes are also provided. Programmes such as alcohol awareness and drug awareness courses are also run regularly.
Support services are provided by 2 Probation Officers and Psychology, Medical and Chaplaincy Services. These personnel are available to inmates on a daily basis.
All inmates are given a timetable for their activities and participation in the activities is actively encouraged. Enhanced regimes such as communal dining, recreational games, sports hall and additional visits are provided.
A typical day consists of school during the morning and afternoon, or alternatively vocational workshop training. Recreation is provided in the evening. At weekends sports competitions, football tournaments, etc., are provided during daytime and recreation is provided in the evening.
