Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 November 2012
807. Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of prisoners who undertook third level study in 2008 with the Open University and with the National college of Art and Design; the number of prisoners that have undertaken courses with these institutions in 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48307/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Irish Prison Service that 151 prisoners undertook courses with the Open University in 2008. The corresponding number for 2012 is 103. In 2008 33 students undertook courses with the National College for Art and Design (NCAD). The arrangement with NCAD, following a value for money audit, was discontinued in 2011 and as such there are no prisoners currently undertaking courses with NCAD.
