asked the Minister for Justice the typical daily routine and diet of a prisoner serving a sentence in an Irish prison including prisoners convicted in the Special Criminal Court.
Written Answers. - Prisoners' Diet.
A typical daily routine for a prisoner serving a sentence in a closed prison is as set out in the attached schedule. Significant variations from this routine are indicated in a footnote. A copy of the prison dietary is also attached.
Typical routine of a prisoner serving a sentence in a closed prison. Hours: 7.30, Morning Call. 8.00, Cell is unlocked; Prisoner empties washing water and, if necessary, chamber pot; Collects breakfast. 8.20, Returns to cell which is locked during breakfast time. 8.50, Cell is unlocked; Prisoner washes eating utensils, makes bed and cleans cell. 9.30, Prisoner goes to work or education classes. 12.30, Returns to cell block; Prisoner collects lunch. 12.55, Prisoner locked in cell for lunch period. 14.05, Cell is unlocked; Prisoner washes up. 14.15, Prisoner goes to work or education classes. 16.20, Returns to cell block; Prisoner collects tea. 16.55, Returns to cell which is locked during tea-time. 17.35, Cell is unlocked; Prisoner washes up and goes to recreation area (in summer this is outdoor). 19.20, Returns to cell block; Prisoner collects supper. 19.55, Final lock-up time. (Prisoners may be unlocked individually up to 22.00 for toilet purposes).
Note—In winter prisoners are given at least one hour's outdoor exercise a day during either the morning or afternoon "work" period. The final lock-up time is slightly later in some institutions. Prisoners are not locked up during all meals in all institutions.