Irish Prison Service highlights value of prison cell TVs

The IPS was responding to figures published by the Irish Examiner which show that it spent €440,427 on TVs for inmates over 2014-15.

The costs related to buying 1,228 new TVs in 2014 and 1,276 in 2015.

The IPS pointed out that the net spend was small as it received around €417,000 over the two-year period in payments from inmates who paid 15c per day or €1.05 a week to rent a TV for their cell.

A spokesperson told the Irish Examiner: “Following the introduction of TVs, the incidents of self-harm and suicide dramatically dropped in our prisons.

“Prisoners serving sentences are very much isolated from society and access to televisions, radios, and newspapers are important to help prisoners keep connected with society and their communities.

“In addition, they also provide entertainment when locked in their cells. Most prisoners spend, on average, 16 hours per day locked in their cells.”

They added: “The objective is to provide tangible incentives to prisoners to participate in structured activities and to reinforce good behaviour, leading to a safer and more secure environment.”