6th July 2004
410. Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the average weekly cost of detaining a long-term prisoner, that is, with a sentence of five years or more, in a place of detention in the State during 2003; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20030/04]
Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell): I propose to take Questions Nos. 410 and 411 together.
The average cost per offender is based on the average daily numbers of offenders in prison institutions in a given year, regardless of the length of the sentence being carried out. The Irish Prison Service does not distinguish between the length of sentences for the purpose of calculating the cost of keeping an offender.
The average annual cost of keeping an offender for 2003 is not yet available. However, the average annual cost for keeping an offender in a prison institution in 2002 was €84,750. Therefore, the average cost of keeping an offender on a weekly basis in 2002 was approximately €1,630. I have asked the Irish Prison Service to provide the Deputy with the costs for 2003 when they become available.
Respect for rights in the penal system with prison as a last resort.