The bill for feeding the State's prisoners has risen to over €6 million a year, it emerged today.
The Irish Prison Service today asked food wholesalers to bid for the €18.6 million contract for the State's 14 detention centres for the next three years.
"The contract will be for three years with the option of a fourth year. The nationwide contract is worth approximately €6.2 million per annum," an Irish Prison Service spokesman said.
Inmates will enjoy a diet of meat, fish, bread, dairy products, fruit and vegetables and frozen foods. The food types will reflect dietary requirements for vegetarians and religious groups such as Jews and Muslims.
Prisons involved in the contract include Portlaoise, Castlerea, Cork, Limerick, the Curragh, the Midlands, Loughan House and Shelton Abbey.
Five institutions are in Dublin - Mountjoy, Cloverhill, Wheatfield, Arbour Hill and St Patrick's Institution.
PA