Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 26 July 2017
460. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when he plans to conduct a review of the Irish Prison Service's national incentivised regimes policy; the tendering process of this review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35209/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Irish Prison Service that the Incentivised Regimes Policy was introduced on a phased basis across all prisons in 2012 and is now operational in all institutions. The Incentivised Regimes Programme provides for differentiation of privileges between prisoners according to their level of engagement with services and quality of behaviour. The objective is to provide tangible incentives to prisoners to participate in structured activities and to reinforce good behaviour, leading to a safer and more secure environment.
There are three levels of privilege - basic, standard and enhanced, with different criteria and privileges associated with each level of regime. The list of privileges additional to core privileges varies between prisons, and within different areas of a prison, depending on the operational and infrastructure requirements of each prison. Experience in other jurisdictions has shown that a tiered incentivised regime structure is a hugely valuable addition to prisons in the context of maintaining good order, and in motivating prisoners to partake in constructive activities. Since the introduction of the Incentivised Regimes Programme, the Irish Prison Service has witnessed a considerable reduction in assaults in prisons. Incentivised Regimes is part of a multi-faceted approach to improving outcomes for prisoners by promoting the benefits of active participation in their own rehabilitation and behavioural reform.
The Irish Prison Service is committed to working to ensure the continuing integrity of the Incentivised Regimes Policy and is currently finalising arrangements for the conducting of a review.
