Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 19 September 2012
180. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of prisoners who have unsuccessfully applied for educational and or training position places in each of the past three years to date; the degree of emphasis placed on the need for rehabilitative opportunities particularly for first time prisoners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39597/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe statistics requested are not readily available and would require a disproportionate and inordinate amount of staff time and effort that could not be justified where there are other significant demands on resources. As I have said before in response to previous Questions, the Irish Prison Service provides a wide range of rehabilitative programmes that include education, vocational training, healthcare, psychiatric, psychological, counselling, welfare and spiritual services. These programmes are available in all prisons and all prisoners are eligible to use the services.
On committal, all prisoners are interviewed by the Governor and are informed of the services available in the prison. At this point prisoners may be referred to services or they can self refer at a later date. Where Governors consider, on the information available, that a prisoner needs a particular intervention they will initiate a referral. Programmes are available to all prisoners but some programmes may not be suitable for prisoners on shorter sentences.
