Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 May 2020
341. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if gratuity payments made to persons remanded in prisons here are reviewed in the context of the cost of living in the prison system; if price increases on goods available in prison shops and other prison facilities is monitored; the way in which pricing is set in shops and canteens in the prison system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4155/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Irish Prison Service that the incentivised regimes policy provides for a 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 constructive activities and to encourage good behaviour, leading to a safer and more secure environment. I am informed that the list of additional privileges varies between prisons and within different areas of a prison, depending on operational and infrastructure requirements.
I am advised that three different regime levels are provided for and that the daily gratuity payable varies according to the regime level, as follows: basic €0.95, standard €1.70, and enhanced €2.20. I understand that remand prisoners are treated in the same way as sentenced prisoners for the purposes of the incentivised regimes policy.
I understand that the incentivised regimes policy was subject to a national review in 2019 and the review has almost concluded. One of the issues being considered as part of the review is the level of gratuity awarded under the incentivised regimes policy, with reference to the cost of living. The review is expected to conclude with a set of recommendations to the Director General of the Irish Prison Service in the next months.
The Deputy may also be interested to note that prisoners may avail of further gratuities under the approved working gratuity scheme. The daily amount of the approved work gratuity is fixed for all prisons/institutions at 50 cent per session with a maximum of €3.50 per week for work training activities, such as work in kitchens, laundry, industrial cleaning, grounds maintenance, industrial waste management, painting and stores.
Finally, I am advised by the Irish Prison Service that there is standard pricing in operation in prison shops and the decision is to charge the recommended retail price, as notified by the contracted supplier, in all prisons and I understand there is oversight in place on the prices charged.
