27th November 2002
83. Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the average cost of keeping a prisoner in Portlaoise Prison is now in excess of €177,000 per year; if he is examining ways to reduce the cost of keeping prisoners in custody; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23703/02]
Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell): The relatively high cost of keeping a prisoner in Portlaoise Prison, which is of the order of €177,000 per year, arises primarily because of the unique security nature of this prison. Security considerations require a higher staff:prisoner ratio.
The average costs for Portlaoise Prison also reflect the general cost burden created through the older structures in some of our prison facilities. It is proposed, when finances permit, to modernise this facility under the prison service building programme and this development will include the use of new technologies, a building management system and recent developments in operational security building design to ensure that maximum operational efficiencies are achieved.
The Irish Prisons Service is committed to addressing the issue of costs across all prisons with particular reference to the cost of overtime. This commitment includes Portlaoise Prison and is expected to make a significant contribution to the reduction of average costs of keeping a prisoner there in the future.
Respect for rights in the penal system with prison as a last resort.