Inmates study crime and punishment

The taxpayer last year funded Open University courses to the tune of €135,000 so that prison inmates could study the likes of creative writing, art, and even crime.

Figures provided by the Department of Justice confirm that the Irish Prison Service (IPS) last year spent €137,860 for 54 prisoners to sit courses with the Open University.

Revealed in response to a request under the Freedom of Information Act, it works out at on average spend of €2,552 per prisoner to take one of the courses available.