25th March 2003
\ 551. Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the cost of keeping a prisoner in prison, specifying each prison, for each of the past five years; and the reason for any disparity. [7904/03]
Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell): The information sought by the Deputy on the cost of keeping a prisoner is provided hereunder for the years from 1997 to 2001. The 2002 figures will not be available until the completion of the 2002 Appropriation Accounts.*
*Download table.
Respect for rights in the penal system with prison as a last resort.