Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 31 May 2016
103. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if the education or literacy needs of persons are assessed when they enter the custody of the Irish Prison Service. [12522/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Irish Prison Service that literacy supports form an important element of the prison education curriculum. The literacy curriculum concentrates on the needs of the individual and aims to improve self-esteem and build confidence.
All prisoners who come into the Education Centre of each prison have an individual interview to assess their educational attainments, needs and interests. Those with literacy difficulties are identified at this stage and are prioritised for support. Such prisoners are asked to undertake the Adult Basic Education (ABE) test to assess their literacy levels.
The Irish Prison Service is currently exploring the feasibility of surveying the prison population using the 8 key competences for lifelong learning as defined by the European Commission. These include literacy and language competence along with mathematical and digital competence. Expressions of Interest have been sought from Irish Universities to enter into a research partnership with the Irish Prison Service to undertake this survey.
I can inform the Deputy that the education service in Irish Prisons devotes considerable resources to the provision of basic literacy education for persons in custody. In conjunction with this professional service the Irish Prison Service facilitates a peer led basic literacy service amongst persons in custody called “Toe by Toe” where those with poor literacy and/or learning difficulties are mentored by individual volunteers who are also persons in custody but who receive specific training in this regard.
The Department of Education & Skills on a partnership basis provides the Irish Prison Service with 220 whole time equivalent teaching posts. I am informed by officials in the Irish Prison Service that many of these educators have completed modular courses in dyslexia, ESOL ( English for Speakers of Other Languages), adult literacy etc, and frequently work with students in prison on a one-to-one basis.
