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€145k taxpayers' bill for prisoners to watch Sky Sports

135

Comments

  • #62
    artful_codger
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,449 ✭✭✭artful_codger


    AlanS181824 wrote: »
    Do they not deserve "some" luxuries?

    I'd say they'd crack up otherwise.

    I reckon they'd all greatly benefit by you visiting Mountjoy and offering free Blowjobs to Prisoners.

    It'd de-stress the Jailbirds, assuage your hand wringing middle-class guilt, and save me some hard earned taxes.


  • #63
    DrGreenthumb
    Closed Accounts Posts: 720 ✭✭✭DrGreenthumb


    What's next memory foam mattertresses, they should ship them to a Thai prision for a month and show them what a real prission is like


  • #64
    Holsten
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,971 ✭✭✭Holsten


    Most likely reduces inmate violence, thus it makes complete sense.


  • #65
    Magico Gonzalez
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,328 ✭✭✭Magico Gonzalez


    Holsten wrote: »
    Most likely reduces inmate violence, thus it makes complete sense.

    No, no, no. Much better they are all wound up and sticking shanks in each other.

    If we assume around 1 million odd people pay tax, at a guess, I'd say that 10c each per year is really fcking the economy over.

    Probably spend more flying politicians around on St paddys day alone.


  • #66
    topper75
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,942 ✭✭✭topper75


    Holsten wrote: »
    Most likely reduces inmate violence, thus it makes complete sense.

    As much sense as giving the 'former chancellor' the Sudetenland?

    Peace in our time Mr. Holsten, reformed crims in our time.


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  • #67
    efb
    Closed Accounts Posts: 35,514 ✭✭✭✭efb


    artful_codger wrote: »
    I reckon they'd all greatly benefit by you visiting Mountjoy and offering free Blowjobs to Prisoners.

    It'd de-stress the Jailbirds, assuage your hand wringing middle-class guilt, and save me some hard earned taxes.

    I think they can have conjugal visits


  • #68
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 32,956 ✭✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    efb wrote: »
    I think they can have conjugal visits

    They can't. Not even Life sentenced prisoners have that, although a married couple took on the state in the early 90's and lost!

    They don't slop out anymore either. Playstations were bought with their own money up to about 2 years ago but I haven't seen or heard of anyone getting one in a long time. also, this was at the Governor's discretion, much like everything else.

    Source: I work in one of the jails (won't say which one)


  • #69
    Holsten
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,971 ✭✭✭Holsten


    Omackeral wrote: »
    They can't. Not even Life sentenced prisoners have that, although a married couple took on the state in the early 90's and lost!

    They don't slop out anymore either. Playstations were bought with their own money up to about 2 years ago but I haven't seen or heard of anyone getting one in a long time. also, this was at the Governor's discretion, much like everything else.

    Source: I work in one of the jails (won't say which one)
    Are you a prison officer?

    What is your view on giving prisoners luxuries?

    Anything that prevents violence and aids in rehabilitation preparing a prisoner for reintegration pays for itself in my view. No matter what it is.


  • #70
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 32,956 ✭✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    Holsten wrote: »
    Are you a prison officer?

    What is your view on giving prisoners luxuries?

    Anything that prevents violence and aids in rehabilitation preparing a prisoner for reintegration pays for itself in my view. No matter what it is.

    I am yes. Was thinking of doing the AMA (Ask Me Anything) on the new forum that goes live tomorrow, within reason of course.

    I've a few views on it. First of all, the more you have to offer them, the more you have to take away from them. Acting the sh*t? Fine, no extra visits/calls for you, just the absolute basic entitlement. You're being a model prisoner? Ok well you have first refusal on any new programmes like Fitness Instructor courses etc. The public's general reaction to any initiatives is usually 'give them bread and water rabble rabble' but always look deeper is what I'd say.


  • #71
    nxbyveromdwjpg
    Closed Accounts Posts: 4,402 ✭✭✭nxbyveromdwjpg


    Omackeral wrote: »
    I am yes. Was thinking of doing the AMA (Ask Me Anything) on the new forum that goes live tomorrow, within reason of course.

    What forum is this?


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  • #72
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 32,956 ✭✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    AMA Ask Me Anything Forum
    http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/forumdisplay.php?f=1647





    Launched prematurely yesterday. Will be in the 'Rec' drop box. Here's an explanation

    http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=93076550


  • #73
    sibersha
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 332 ✭✭sibersha


    The real criminals here are Sky


  • #74
    Rubber_Soul
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,726 ✭✭✭Rubber_Soul


    leeroybrown wrote: »
    It's simple. The prison governors need to maintain a standard of accommodation for prisoners where the potential for violence is minimised. I'm pretty sure every one of them thinks that €147k in Sky Sports subscriptions is probably one of the better returns on investment they get when it comes to maintaining order.

    I've a friend in the service and this is exactly the reason why they have it. He said since its introduction there's been a significant reduction in prisoner on guard and prisoner on prisoner violence.


  • #75
    howiya
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,503 ✭✭✭howiya


    Holsten wrote: »
    Most likely reduces inmate violence, thus it makes complete sense.

    They mustn't have had Sky in Fran's prison


  • #76
    braddun
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 1,220 ✭✭✭braddun


    they need to get it in the dail as well


  • #77
    Iwasfrozen
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 16,250 ✭✭✭✭Iwasfrozen


    Absolute ridiculous waste of money. That 145k could have been put towards teaching prisoners a trade. Which is proven to lower reincarnation numbers too.

    The "pacification" line of argument is nonsense too. We employ officers to keep the peace, if a prisoner steps out of line crack his skull open with a baton, preferably infront of other prisoners. You can be sure he won't do it again.

    This, is how you run a prison. Fascinating viewing for anyone interested.



    A prisoner cannot sit or lie on their beds during the day, any time they leave their cell they are handcuffed, blindholded and put into a stress position, flanked on all sides by guards and dogs. Prisoners call the Officers Sir and no disrespect is shown.

    " The prison houses approximately 700 of the most serious criminals in Russia. It holds paedophiles, murderers, terrorists, cannibals, serial killers and so called "maniacs". Prisoners at Black Dolphin are imprisoned for life. Prison guards place blindfolds on arriving prisoners so that they can not map out the prison or plan escapes. Prisoners are also blindfolded whenever they are transported between buildings. Also unique to Black Dolphin is the form in which guards escort inmates; prisoners are kept bent over at the waist while a guard holds their handcuffed hands behind their back, higher than the inmate's hips. This "stress position" allows for maximum control over the inmate, while depriving the inmate a view of their surroundings as well as preventing them from escaping and attacking prison staff. While there have been rumors of inmate abuse and misconduct at Black Dolphin Prison, there are no confirmed reports or complaints.

    Inmates are kept isolated and housed in a cell that has a set of three steel doors. For 90 minutes, a day they are transported to a larger cell for exercise time. During this time, the cell is searched for contraband or illegal items that inmates are not permitted to have. Prisoners at Black Dolphin are kept under 24 hour supervision; they are not permitted to rest or sit on their bunks from the time they are awoken until it is time to sleep again. Every 15 minutes, a guard makes rounds to check on each cell to ensure inmates are complying with the rules. The prisoners are fed soup four times a day. "


  • #78
    mikemac1
    Closed Accounts Posts: 12,395 ✭✭✭✭mikemac1


    For 145k you could give some unemployed teachers their first chance and hire them for prisoners to get to leaving cert. Junior cert too if they want to go for that. If they learn carpentry sure they can refurbish the classroom!

    Some teachers off the dole and getting a salary instead of it going to the Murdoch family.


  • #79
    Charlie19
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,122 ✭✭✭✭Charlie19


    It's an absolute joke, €145k is madness.

    I've no problem with the prisoners getting certain luxuries but it's the over payment for the luxury that bugs me.

    Wasn't there a story here last year that €40k was spent on footballs every year in irish prisons. I think they need a new arts and crafts workshop.

    Anyways did they never hear of mobdro.


  • #80
    Nodin
    Closed Accounts Posts: 46,938 ✭✭✭✭Nodin


    Iwasfrozen wrote: »
    Absolute ridiculous waste of money. That 145k could have been put towards teaching prisoners a trade. Which is proven to lower reincarnation numbers too.

    The "pacification" line of argument is nonsense too. We employ officers to keep the peace, if a prisoner steps out of line crack his skull open with a baton, preferably infront of other prisoners. You can be sure he won't do it again.

    This, is how you run a prison. Fascinating viewing for anyone interested.

    Yes, because it corresponds to your need to see people suffer, not because of any effect it may have on the rate of recidivism. Somehow I think we can look to better and more successful programs than Russias.


  • #81
    Podge_irl
    Moderators, Sports Moderators, Paid Member Posts: 33,990 Mod ✭✭✭✭Podge_irl


    Nodin wrote: »
    Yes, because it corresponds to your need to see people suffer, not because of any effect it may have on the rate of recidivism. Somehow I think we can look to better and more successful programs than Russias.

    Yeah, why model ourselves after Russia when we could go the full hog and just use North Korea as a model instead.

    145k is very little money for a statewide program. The total prison service budget (according to Wiki at least) is about 380m. I'm happy enough to leave a reasonable amount of discretionary expenditure to governors to use as they see fit. I presume they're not doing it cause they think all the prisoners are top class lads who deserve some amusement at the taxpayer's expense.


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  • #82
    Gyalist
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,537 ✭✭✭Gyalist


    €145K for two years of cable TV for the entire Irish Prison Service vs an average of €147k annual expenses per TD!

    The cable TV bill looks like far better value for money.


  • #83
    Iwasfrozen
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 16,250 ✭✭✭✭Iwasfrozen


    Nodin wrote: »
    Yes, because it corresponds to your need to see people suffer, not because of any effect it may have on the rate of recidivism. Somehow I think we can look to better and more successful programs than Russias.

    Loving how you cut out the part where I said the 145k could be reinvested in more further education programmes to teach prisoners a trade. Something proven to lower reincarnation rates.

    But in addition to rehabilitation programmes prisoners should be suffering. It is a punishment after all.


  • #84
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 3,773 ✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    If €145k is the price to pay to prevent violence and the resulting medical costs in prison, then it might be a cheaper alternative for the taxpayer.

    Not saying we should give them every demand if they threaten violence, just that there are invisible costs which we may be preventing with this.


  • #85
    OldNotWIse
    Closed Accounts Posts: 12,468 ✭✭✭✭OldNotWIse


    topper75 wrote: »
    Absolutely relevant - whole issue in this thread in fact.
    Prisoners should not be getting luxuries that law abiding citizens don't, no.
    You asked an obscure, to me pointless, question. I responded facetiously yes. But I still don't even know what you are on about with 'price' of my liberty.



    People who want criminals to be punished in a JUSTICE SYSTEM are vigilantes now? Look up vigilante in the dictionary and come back to me.


    Maybe when you stop shouting I might do as you ask. No need for the caps lock. Your point should substantiate itself without having to roar at other posters.


  • #86
    topper75
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,942 ✭✭✭topper75


    OldNotWIse wrote: »
    Maybe when you stop shouting I might do as you ask. No need for the caps lock. Your point should substantiate itself without having to roar at other posters.

    OK - shouldn't have 'shouted'.
    The use of the term vigilante was wholly inappropriate. I advocate due process. This belief is not in anyway mutually exclusive to a belief that convicted criminals should be punished rather than rewarded.


  • #87
    OldNotWIse
    Closed Accounts Posts: 12,468 ✭✭✭✭OldNotWIse


    topper75 wrote: »
    OK - shouldn't have 'shouted'.
    The use of the term vigilante was wholly inappropriate. I advocate due process. This belief is not in anyway mutually exclusive to a belief that convicted criminals should be punished rather than rewarded.

    Of course they are not mutually exclusive... Due process in a legal sense refers to proceedings as opposed to sanctions.


  • #88
    topper75
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,942 ✭✭✭topper75


    Of course I understand rehabilitation as a key aspect of justice.
    What I can't join the dots between is a fella knocking over a granny to get her handbag vowing to turn over a new leaf because he got to watch the North London derby live.


  • #89
    OldNotWIse
    Closed Accounts Posts: 12,468 ✭✭✭✭OldNotWIse


    topper75 wrote: »
    Of course I understand rehabilitation as a key aspect of justice.
    What I can't join the dots between is a fella knocking over a granny to get her handbag vowing to turn over a new leaf because he got to watch the North London derby live.


    I don't know if it's as simple as that, and of course if it were my granny I wouldn't like to think of him lying back watching sky sports or whatever while she recovers from the shock, though he is still without his liberty, regardless of how much "window dressing" is placed on. Perhaps it's more about control and order. We don't really know what it's like to work as a prison officer. I imagine if inmates have certain "luxuries" or allowances it makes for a nicer environment (to work in). Don't know, just a point.


  • #90
    frippy
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 68 ✭✭frippy


    mikemac1 wrote: »
    For 145k you could give some unemployed teachers their first chance and hire them for prisoners to get to leaving cert. Junior cert too if they want to go for that. If they learn carpentry sure they can refurbish the classroom!

    Some teachers off the dole and getting a salary instead of it going to the Murdoch family.

    That's a very good idea.


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  • #91
    Nodin
    Closed Accounts Posts: 46,938 ✭✭✭✭Nodin


    Iwasfrozen wrote: »
    Loving how you cut out the part where I said the 145k could be reinvested in more further education programmes to teach prisoners a trade. Something proven to lower reincarnation rates.

    But in addition to rehabilitation programmes prisoners should be suffering. It is a punishment after all.


    The punishment is loss of liberty, not having your favourite S&M scenario enacted.


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