I can inform the Deputy that the Irish Prison Service has assigned part of its 2012 capital allocation for the development of a number of key systems designed to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the management of the prisoner population and to enhance facilities for prisoners.
The Irish Prison Service continues to develop IT facilities in the prison schools which will enhance prisoner educational opportunities. An in-cell education pilot project to allow prisoners continue their classroom learning is also being introduced in St Patrick's Institution and Wheatfield prison.
In addition, a number of other IT projects are being rolled out including:
a new prisoner records system;
an extended prisoner medical system;
a new prisoner cash and gratuity system;
an extended integrated sentence management system;
extended video conferencing to reduce the need for prisoners to attend court for short duration appearances;
an extended visitor system; and
online booking of prison visits.