Jonathan O'Brien
Ceist:305. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of prisoners across the closed prison estate who have access to communal dining. [32292/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 11 July 2017
Ceisteanna (305)
Freagraí scríofa
I am advised by the Irish Prison Service (IPS) that there are no facilities for communal dining in the closed prisons, with the exception of the Grove Unit in Castlerea Prison (approximately 38 prisoners) and the Independent Living Skills Unit in Wheatfield Prison (approximately 12 prisoners). I am further informed by the Irish Prison Service that a number of enhanced regime prisoners involved in activities such as laundry, kitchen, and grounds maintenance duties in the closed prisons avail of communal dining facilities during the working day. This number fluctuates on a daily basis but would amount to around 290 prisoners.