Inmates at Portlaoise jail have a smaller teacher to student ratio than the majority of the country's primary schools, it has been reported.

According to the Herald, there are just five prisoners to every teacher, compared to an average of 28 to one in primary schools.

The Department of Education released the figures following a question tabled in the Dail.

Minister of state Sean Haughy commented: "The prison is a high-security facility and there are a number of different categories of prisoners who must be kept separate from each other in designated areas of the prison."

Councillor Derek Keating, who requested the information, said that although prisoners need to be rehabilitated, the government must focus on how we educate children.

In related news, it was announced earlier this week that €150 million will be provided for new school computers and software in order to bridge the technology gap between Ireland and other countries.

Written by Fiona Mayers

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