12th December 2001
129. Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will report on the number of prisoners in all prisons at end of October 2001; the number of prison officers on the same date; the average prisoner to prison officer ratio throughout the European Union; and his views on the Irish ratio in comparison; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32061/01]
Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. O'Donoghue): On 1 November 2001, the total number of prisoners in all prisons was 3,177 and total prison staff, including management, trades, industrial and medical staff, was 3,143. The ratio of prisoners to prison staff on that date was, therefore, 1.01:1. This is an overall ratio and individual ratios vary from prison to prison.*
*Download file for further information.
Respect for rights in the penal system with prison as a last resort.