Terence Flanagan
Question:188. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the financial aid given to persons on their release from prison; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9194/13]
View answerWednesday, 20 February 2013
Questions (188)
Written answers
Under the Prison Rules 2007 a prisoner is entitled to a basic provision on release. The Governor is obliged to ensure that the prisoner has sufficient means to travel to his or her destination within the State. Where necessary prisoners are provided with travel vouchers to cover the cost of their journey home. The Governor is also obliged to ensure that the prisoner has sufficient means of subsistence and the Governor has the discretion to provide an appropriate amount, where warranted.
In addition, prisoners are entitled to a daily gratuity of between 95 cent and €2.20 depending on behaviour and engagement with services, while they are in custody. They are entitled to use this gratuity to buy goods in the prison shop or send some of it to their family. On release the remaining balance in the gratuity account is paid to the prisoner.