Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 May 2013
222. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the extent to which the successful implementation of the proposed structured community return programmes for offenders as outlined in the Irish Prison Service's three year strategic plan 2012-2015 is reliant on IPS staff accepting the latest public sector pay conditions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23343/13]
View answerI can advise the Deputy that the implementation of the Community Return Programme is not reliant on Irish Prison Service Staff accepting the latest public sector pay conditions in the proposed Public Service Agreement.
The community Return Programme, which was first piloted in 2011, has been rolled out nationally across all prisons. Almost 500 prisoners have taken part in the initiative since it commenced with 316 prisoners now having completed the programme. There were 131 prisoners on Community Return on 13 May this year, which was the highest total at one time since the Programme commenced. Compliance has been almost 90%; and the 10% who did not comply with the terms and conditions of their release on Community Return were re-committed to prison immediately to serve the rest of their sentence in custody. The Community Return Programme has been a really positive development, and as well as allowing prisoners to complete their sentence by way of performing a service to the community, has significantly helped these prisoners to successfully resettle in their communities.
