6th July 2004
426. Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of prisoners serving sentences and on remand in 1990, 1995, 2000 and 2004. [20497/04]
Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell): Due to the fact that some changes have been made over the years in the manner in which prison population details are measured an exact comparison between the years mentioned by the Deputy is not available. However, committal figures for the years 1990 and 1995 and 2001 - substituted for 2000 which is not available - are as follows*
(*Please click download to see table)
The Deputy should also be aware that committal numbers may not accurately reflect the number of persons sent to prison as an individual may have been committed several times in one year. Figures for 2004 are not yet available.
Respect for rights in the penal system with prison as a last resort.