Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 19 Jun 1996

Vol. 467 No. 2

Written Answers. - Prison Arts Education Facilities.

Eric J. Byrne

Ceist:

133 Mr. E. Byrne asked the Minister for Justice the proposals, if any, she has to further increase the co-operation between the Arts Council and her Department with regard to the provision of arts education facilities in prisons; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12186/96]

Minister for Justice (Mrs. Owen)

There are two joint schemes currently operated by my Department and the Arts Council. One is the writers' workshop scheme which has been running since the early 1980's and the other is the artists workshops scheme which commenced in 1987. Through these schemes artists and writers have run series of workshops in every prison in the country. The workshops comprise intensive short-term inputs which complement the on-going art education provided for prisoners by teachers from vocational education committees and the National College of Art and Design.

These joint projects form an important part of a strong overall arts programme in the prisons. For example, every prison has at least one art teacher. Also, music, drama, creative writing and photography are significant parts of the overall Prison Education Programme. Such arts programmes are seen to have very beneficial effects for prisoners in terms of personal development, a therapeutic outlet, an acceptable route into wider education and training and readjustment to society after release. The cost of these joint projects is shared on a 50:50 basis by my Department and the Arts Council. Currently, the annual contribution by each side runs to about £8,000.

I would be keen to continue, at the very least, this level of co-operation with the Arts Council and I would not be averse to expanding it further if and when this seems appropriate and desirable. At present, the Department's coordinator of education is in the early stages of discussion with the Arts Council regarding the possibility of introducing a similar scheme in relation to drama, perhaps focused initially in Mountjoy prison where several single drama projects have been very successful and where there is need for further constructive activity for prisoners.