Brendan Griffin
Question:402. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Justice the average cost of keeping a prisoner in 2023; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [56190/23]
View answerThursday, 14 December 2023
Questions (402)
Written answers
I am advised by my officials in the Irish Prison Service that the average cost of keeping a person in prison this year is not yet available but will be included in the 2023 Irish Prison Service Annual Report which will be published in 2024.
The average annual cost of an available, staffed prison space during the calendar year 2022 was €84,067, a 4.6% increase on the 2021 cost of €80,335.
This figure includes all elements of net expenditure incurred by the Irish Prison Service Vote within the year, (such as salaries, utilities/maintenance, ICT, services provided to people in custody including education, healthcare, work training etc.) and excludes capital expenditure on buildings and vehicle purchases.
The main reasons for the increase over the 2021 figure is due to increased variable costs arising from increases in payroll costs as a result of National Wage Agreements, increased numbers in custody and increased capacity.