Prison Service

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 April 2024

Tuesday, 30 April 2024

Ceisteanna (521)

Patrick Costello

Ceist:

521. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Justice further to Parliamentary Question No. 442 of 23 April 2024, if this relocation of prisoners will entail the progression unit remaining together; if not, if the prisoners will the general population; if the new location will entail the same level of services that those prisoners earned considering they are all on the enhanced status; if not, her views on whether there is no motivation for generic prisoners to progress within the prison; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19297/24]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice

I can advise the Deputy that given the rise in prisoner population, it is not possible to say whether those accommodated in the Progression Unit will remain together. People currently accommodated in the Progression Unit, who are not serving their sentences for sex offences, will be moved to alternative suitable accommodation within the prison estate. I can further advise the Deputy that not all currently accommodated in the Progression Unit are enhanced prisoners.

Finally, I can advise the Deputy that people in custody are encouraged to avail of the services in their prison. The Incentivised Regime Policy is a national policy available in all prisons which strives to provide tangible incentives to participate in structured activities and to reinforce good behaviour, leading to a safer and more secure environment.