Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 July 2013
907. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the total cost to date of the electronic tagging programme; the number of persons on remand and conditional release respectively with an electronic tag; the number of persons on the sex offenders register with an electronic tag; the total number of electronic tags available and in use within the justice system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34948/13]
View answerPart 10 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006 provides for the introduction of electronic monitoring in this jurisdiction. The relevant order commencing the provisions in the context of a restriction of movement condition applying to the granting of temporary release was made in 2010.
The Irish Prison Service signed a contract on 15 February 2013 for the provision of electronically monitored temporary release by Chubb Ireland. This is used mainly for the monitoring of hospital in-patients who have been granted temporary release from prison. I can advise the Deputy that the contract is for a duration of two years effective from 1 March 2013 and allows for a significant reduction in staffing costs for hospital escorts. There are currently two offenders on conditional release with an electronic tag. The cost to date since 1 March 2013 is €6,500 approximately (excluding VAT) which accounts for 11 live units and monitoring.
The Deputy may wish to note that legislative proposals being considered in the context of development of a General Scheme of a Sexual Offences Bill include measures for the electronic monitoring of sex offenders in specific circumstances.
In addition, electronic monitoring is being examined by the Group conducting an all encompassing strategic review of penal policy. I expect the Group to report later this year and it is the intention to publish their report.
