asked the Minister for Justice in respect of each prison in the State (a) the number of persons employed in giving educational or vocational courses; (b) the number of classes provided and the subjects covered; and (c) the number of prisoners attending each class.
Written Answers. - Prison Education Facilities.
66.
I refer the Deputy to my answer to Question No. 80 on 27 May, 1987 (Official Report, Vol. 372, cols. 2911-2918).
In Portlaoise prison there are 15 teachers, employed by County Laois VEC, working on a part time basis. The subjects taught at present are: Sociology; Mathematics, Irish, French; Economics; Geography; Art; Basic English/Literacy; English Literature ("O" Level); English Language ("O" Level); Political Studies; Business Studies; Classical Music Appreciation; Typing; Guitar; Creative Writing; Consumer Education; Physical Education; History.
Statistics are not maintained in a way that would indicate the number of offenders attending each class in each prison. Attendance figures may vary from day to day.
Statistics that are available show that in October 1986, 757 offenders out of a total prison population of 1904 were availing of education. The breakdown in respect of each institution is as follows:
|
Institution |
Total No. Offenders |
No. involved in prison education |
|
Training Unit |
96 |
41 |
|
Mountjoy (Women) |
38 |
12 |
|
Mountjoy (Male) |
552 |
153 |
|
Portlaoise |
192 |
91 |
|
Arbour Hill |
149 |
103 |
|
Shanganagh Castle |
56 |
49 |
|
Limerick |
146 |
55 |
|
Loughan House |
111 |
57 |
|
Cork |
229 |
96 |
|
St. Patrick's Institution |
230 |
92 |
|
Shelton Abbey |
56 |
8 |
|
Fort Mitchel |
49 |
— |
|
Total: |
1,904 |
757 |
These figures include persons engaged in private study (e.g Open University) as well as those attending formal classes.
Since then classes have been established in Fort Mitchel prison and 45 out of 50 offenders are attending classes.