Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 September 2026
437. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of prisoners actively following a course with the Open University at the present time in each institution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66872/26]
View answerThe Irish Prison Service (IPS) supports people in custody to use their sentence constructively and prepare for law-abiding and purposeful lives after release. I am advised that education in prisons is delivered in partnership with the Education and Training Boards (ETBs). The curriculum ranges from basic literacy and State examinations to Open University courses.
The Open University provides higher education opportunities through its Students in Secure Environments (SiSE) programme. It offers recognised undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications, adapted study materials and academic and administrative support. Where standard internet access is restricted, a secure intranet provides access to relevant learning resources.
The table below has been provided by the IPS and sets out the number of people in custody currently undertaking an Open University course in each institution, with the exception of Cloverhill Prison where there are currently no people in custody undertaking Open University programmes.
|
Prison/Education Centre |
Students Continuing |
New Students |
Total |
|
Arbour Hill |
19 |
1 |
20 |
|
Castlerea |
8 |
6 |
14 |
|
Cork |
8 |
4 |
12 |
|
Dochas |
4 |
0 |
4 |
|
Loughan House |
5 |
0 |
5 |
|
Limerick |
1 |
1 |
2 |
|
Portlaoise |
18 |
5 |
23 |
|
Midlands |
26 |
11 |
37 |
|
Mountjoy |
16 |
5 |
21 |
|
Mountjoy West |
17 |
7 |
24 |
|
Training Unit |
3 |
0 |
3 |
|
Shelton Abbey |
4 |
0 |
4 |
|
Wheatfield |
9 |
5 |
14 |
|
2026 |
138 |
45 |
183 |
