Servo Motors free essay sample

Servo motor This is a small motor in a C-band dish feed assembly. This motor selects whether vertical or horizontal polarization is to be received. Servo motor A Servo is a small device that has an output shaft. This shaft can be positioned to specific angular positions by sending the servo a coded signal. As long as the coded signal exists on the input line, the servo will maintain the angular position of the shaft. As the coded signal changes, the angular position of the shaft changes. Three basic types of servo motors are used in modern servosystems: ac servo motors, based n induction motor designs; dc servo motors, based on dc motor designs; and ac brushless servo motors, based on synchronous motor designs. Figure 9 Typical dc servo motor system with either encoder or resolver feedback. Some older servo motor systems use a tachometer and encoder for feedback. Servomotor Applications 45 ratings | 3. We will write a custom essay sample on Servo Motors or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page 49 out of 5 [pic]Print Table of Contents 1 . Press Feed 2. In-line Bottle Filling 3. Precision Auger Filling System 4. Label Applications 5. Random Timing Infeed System 6. Buy the Book Press Feed You will get a better idea of how servomotors and amplifiers operate if you see some ypical applications. Figure 11-90 shows an example of a servomotor used to control a press feed. In this application, sheet material is fed into a press where it is cut off to length with a knife blade or sheer. The sheet material may have a logo or other advertisement that must line up registration marks with the cut-off point. In this application the speed and position of the sheet material must be synchronized with the correct cut-off point. The ball-screw mechanism is also called a lead screw. When the motor turns the shaft of the ball crew, the carriage will move horizontally along the length of the ball-screw shaft. This movement will be smooth so that each of the nozzles can dispense product into the bottles with little spillage. The servo drive system utilizes a positioning drive controller with software that allows the position and velocity to be tracked as the conveyor line moves the bottles. A master encoder tracks the bottles as they move along the conveyor line. An auger feed system is also used Just prior to the point where the bottles enter the filling station. The auger causes a specific amount of space to be set between each bottle as t enters the filling station. The bottles may be packed tightly as they approach the auger, but as they pass through the auger their space is set exactly so that the necks of the bottles will match the spacing of the filling nozzles. A detector is also in conjunction with the dispensing system to ensure that no product is dispensed from a nozzle if a bottle is missing or large spaces appear between bottles. FIGURE 11-91 Application of a beverage-filling station controlled by a servomotor. (Courtesy 01 Electro-craft, A Rockwell Automation Business. ) The servo drive system compares the position of the bottles from the master encoder o the feedback signal that indicates the position of the filling carriage that is mounted to the ball screw. The servo drive amplifier will increase or decrease the speed of the ball-screw mechanism so that the nozzles will match the speed of the bottles exactly. Precision Auger Filling System A third application for a servo system is provided in Fig. 11-92. In this application a large tilling tank is used to till containers as they pass along a conveyor line. T material that is dispensed into the containers can be a single material fill or it can be one of several materials added to a container that is dumped into a mixer for a lending operation. Since the amount of material that is dispensed into the container must be accurately weighed and metered into the box, an auger that is controlled by a servo system is used. The feedback sensor for this system can be a weighing system such as the load cell discussed in earlier chapters. The command signal can come from a programmable controller or the operator can enter it manually by selecting a recipe from the operators terminal. The amount of material can be different from recipe to recipe. FIGURE 11-92 Application of a precision auger filling station controlled by a servomotor. Courtesy of Electro-craft, A Rockwell Automation Business. ) The speed of the auger can be adjusted so that it runs at high speed when the container is first being filled, and the speed can be slowed to a point where the final grams of material can be metered precisely as the container is filled to the proper point. As the price of material increases, precision filling equipment can provide savings as well as quality in the amount of product used in the recipe. Label Applications The fourth application has a servomotor controlling the speed of a label-feed mechanism that pulls preprinted labels from a roll and applies them to packages as hey move on a continuous conveyor system past the labeling mechanism. The feedback signals are provided by an encoder that indicates the location of the conveyor, tach generator that indicates the speed of the conveyor, and a sensor that indicates the registration mark on each label.

Fallacies of Irrational Thinking essays

Fallacies of Irrational Thinking essays The Fallacies of Irrational Thinking is the topic of this paper. To understand this concept you must first know the definition of the term fallacy. Fallacy is defined as deception, an error in logic, or an often plausible argument using false or invalid inference. In this course we learned that there were eight fallacies: perfection, approval, should, overgeneralization, causation, helplessness, and catastrophic causation. In this paper I will attempt to explain each of them. The fallacy of perfection is when a person that thinks that everything must be perfect. It can be as innocent as someone who must keep their things neat and clean or as extreme as a person cleans constantly because they don't feel that anything is clean enough. In their eyes, everything must be flawless. A person with this fallacy may most commonly be known as a perfectionist. One of their setbacks is that they are some busy perfecting that they don't have time to do other things. The fallacy of approval is when a person that insures that they say and do is acceptable to others. They are people pleasers, willing to do anything to make everyone happy and often say what the listeners want to hear. They are sometimes known as two-faded because they are on everyone's side of an argument. Most often affected by this fallacy are adolescents because they thrive on peer approval. A downfall is that the individual is so consumed with pleasing other the it may be difficult for them to The fallacy of should is when a person confuses what they want with what should be. They never understand why things are not going their way. This fallacy, unlike most of the others, can sometimes be beneficial, in moderation, in careers fields such as law enforcement and politics. In these field, in general, what the individual want usually will benefit public. On the other in hand, an extreme fallacy of should can be disasterist. One such exampl ...

Ways to De-Stress in College

Ways to De-Stress in College Knowing how to destress can make all the difference between a crazed college experience and one you feel you have control over. Sometimes, however, knowing that you need to destress can be different than actually knowing how to destress. Check out this list of tips- theres sure to be one (or more) for nearly everyone! Relaxing Ways to Destress Breathe deeply.  It only takes a few minutes, but it can really help you achieve more positive mental health. Focus on inhaling and exhaling while trying to let all the stress in your brain slowly melt away.Put your headphones in and listen to some music.  Closing your eyes and relaxing while listening to some music can do wonders for your brain. Tuning out the world for even just five minutes can be a great way to lower your stress and increase your mental clarity.Daydream about your life after  graduation.  College can be overwhelming because there is so much to do all of the time. Let yourself daydream for a few minutes about what your dream life will be like after graduation. Dont worry about how youll make everything happen; just imagine the best possible scenario and the goals youre working so hard to achieve.Look through your personal pics online.  You can check out things youve posted on Facebook or elsewhere. Looking through your personal pics can warm your heart a nd cool your stress. Look through the pics you have on your phone.  Most people take a ton of pictures with their cell phone- and then forget all thats on there. Take a quick trip down memory lane while also giving yourself a break and a few minutes to relax.Read motivational quotations about college and education.  Sometimes, college life can simply seem- if not be- overwhelming. Give yourself some perspective by reading over some  motivational quotations about college  that can help remind you why you work so hard in the first place.Come up with a list of 10 things youve accomplished today/this week.  Sometimes people can get so focused on what they have left to do that theyve forgotten all the things theyve already done. Lower your stress by writing down at least 10 things youve accomplished today or this week. You just might surprise yourself!Take a quick shower.  Most of the time you shower to get clean. Today, however, take a shower to just relax yourself. Let the hot water massage your shoulders and try to imagine your stress being rinsed off and going down the drain, too. Take a quick bath.  If youre lucky enough to live in a place that has bathtubs, a quick bath can be a magical escape. Squirt some soap (or even shampoo) in for some bubbles and pretend youre somewhere far, far away.Wash your face.  If you dont have time for a bath or a shower, a quick face-wash can help wake you up, making you feel refreshed, and relax you- even if its just for a minute or two. If you dont have your soap handy, a quick splash of water will do.Give yourself a mani/pedi.  You dont have to escape to a nail salon to feel fancy. Grab some polish and give yourself a visual pick-me-up as a way to destress and focus on something fun and funky for a few minutes.Address the thing that is stressing you out the most.  Chances are, amidst all your stressors, theres at least one or two things that really stand out. Do at least one thing to address the biggest stress factor(s) in your life- even if its deciding not to worry about it until tomorrow. Active Ways to Destress Do some stretching.  You dont have to be a yoga teacher to know how to stretch. Whether youre in the library, the quad, or your room, a few minutes of slow, deep stretching can improve your mood immensely.Do some  yoga specifically catered to stress reduction.  Of course, if you do love yoga, you know how helpful some good stretching and breathing can be for your health. Take what youve learned in a yoga class and apply it at a time you need it most.Go for a walk.  It doesnt matter where you go- in fact, an aimless walk might be better than one with tasks assigned to it. Remove yourself from a stressful situation and enjoy a few minutes out and about.Go for a quick run.  Grab your shoes, throw on some running clothes, and get your stress out while hitting the pavement (or track or treadmill). A quick, high-intensity run can lower your stress and increase your energy for hours afterward.Go for a bike ride.  Who says you can only use your bike to get to and from class? Go f or a quick ride thats more fun than functional. Ride a skateboard.  If youre able to ride a skateboard on (or near) campus, this pastime can be a great break from your regular, stressful college routine.Clean up your desk.  Alright, it sounds lame, but wouldnt it be nice to start your homework with a nice, clean, organized desk? A clear space leads to a clear mind and cleaning up your desk can do wonders for your productivity.Clean up your room.  Even people who like clean rooms often dont like actually cleaning them. Set a timer for five minutes and see how much you can get done in that time. Youll get yourself moving, get your things organized, and get your head away from the source of your stress for at least a few minutes.Clean out your backpack.  Boring? Maybe. Well, actually ... totally boring. But doing something completely mindless that will result in feeling productive can be a great way to focus on something other than your stress.Do  some laundry.  You may not want to do it, but think of the benefits: Youll get yourself out of your current, stress-inducing project, youll get yourself moving, youll get a mental break from your more stressful tasks, and youll finally get some clean clothes. Dance.  For some, dancing can be a great escape from the stressors of everyday life. Dance to your hearts content for a few minutes before returning to your regularly scheduled tasks.Go for a walk and buy a cup of tea.  Sure, you may have some tea in your room, but sometimes the extra little splurge can be worth it. Youll get moving while also getting a break.Go for a walk and buy a cup of coffee.  If its looking like itll be a long night, go walk to the campus coffee shop and splurge on a cup o joe. Youll get your blood pumping while also getting a little caffeine in your system.Go for a walk and buy a healthy snack.  Sure, those french fries look delicious, but opting for a piece of fruit and some whole wheat toast from the dining hall will make you feel better, both physically and mentally.Go for a walk and treat yourself to, well, a treat.  Alright, lets be honest here: Sometimes you just need a candy bar. Take the long way to the vending machines before selecting a spe cial treat to pick you up and lower your stress, even if its just for a little while. Social Ways to Destress Call a friend and catch up for a few minutes.  Checking in with someone you hold near and dear can be great for your heart. Get the latest from your friend while also sneaking in a nice mental break, too.Send a friend an email.  Chances are that theres at least one friend you need to catch up with, but you may not have time right now for a phone call. Send a quick email letting them know the latest and greatest in your life. And if youre lucky, the next time you need a break, there will be an email from them, too!Send your parents an email.  Face it- you dont talk to your parents enough while youre away at school and theyd like you to  keep in touch more. If a phone call isnt going to work for you right now, zip them a quick email about whats going on with you.Send your sibling(s) an email.  Many students get so caught up in their lives in college that they forget to check in with their siblings. Take a moment or two to send along an update to your brother(s) and/or sister( s)- you might be surprised at how much better doing so makes you feel. Go hang out with other folks for a few minutes.  Even if youre on a tight deadline and feel like you cant spare a few minutes, guess what? You can. Spending a few minutes de-stressing with friends can help your productivity during the rest of the night.Find some friends and have everyone give everyone else a quick massage.  The power of a 3-minute neck and shoulder rub should never, ever be underestimated. Grab several folks, line up, and have everyone rub each others shoulders for a few minutes.Kiss your significant other.  The power of human touch can always help you destress. Grab your honey and enjoy a few minutes of lip-locking before getting back to what you have to do.Look at the events happening on campus this weekend.  If youre feeling overwhelmed with what you have to do between now and the weekend, looking at what options await you at the end of the tunnel can be a great way to destress. Check out an events calendar online or go for a quick walk and actually take t he time to read the posters and flyers everyone puts up all over the place. Make fun plans for the weekend.  If taking a break from campus is what your brain needs, make some fun plans for the weekend. Check out a local city guide or call a friend to see what the scoop is. Fun Ways to Destress Watch your favorite scene from your favorite movie on  YouTube,  Hulu, etc.  Even if you dont own your favorite movie, chances are you can find it online somewhere. Treat yourself to some old-fashioned escapism and tune out for a few minutes.Search for funny clips on YouTube.  Things go viral so quickly that theres always new stuff to watch. Put yourself on a time limit and watch ridiculous things to your hearts content.Create a new  Pandora  channel.  If you really need to work, incorporate ways to destress into your process. Create a new Pandora channel that will energize and refocus you as you work.Treat yourself to some new songs on iTunes.  Buying a few songs for a few bucks can perk you up, give you something fun to look forward to, and let you feel happy instead of stressed- both during and after your purchase.Play around on  Facebook.  Of course, the key here is only to do so for a few minutes. Losing 30 minutes when youre stressed can sometimes add more f uel to the fire. But spending a few minutes poking around can be a great break for your brain. Play around on  Twitter.  Even if youre new to Twitter, seeing what the buzz is at any point in time can be a fun diversion.Play around on  Flickr.  If youre a visual person, looking at cool pictures of things that make you happy can be a nice uplift for your heart- and a nice decrease for your blood pressure.Play around on  StumbleUpon.  StumbleUpon can be enjoyable because it takes you to new sites you may never have heard of but that other users, with interests similar to yours, have recommended. Its a great way to surf the web and find new sites without getting lost in a ton of junk.Read the national news headlines.  Reading the national news can be a great break for your mind while also helping to keep you informed of current events. If youre really lucky, the headlines you read today can be used during a class conversation tomorrow.Read the news headlines in your local town.  You may be so busy living your college life that you dont know what current events are in your new local town. Find out a little more about your home-away-from-home by checking out the local paper online. Read news headlines from your hometown.  What better way to get out of your little stress bubble at school than to learn about the happenings back in your hometown? Even the ads for local restaurants you havent thought about for months might cheer you up a bit.Play around on a gossip website for a few minutes (like  People).  Catching up on the latest celebrity news can be entertaining and provide a fun few minutes of escape.Catch up on the latest sports news.  Most students spend so much time reading homework in college that skimming the latest from the sports world isnt really an option. Check out whats happening with your favorite team, favorite sport, or favorite athlete for a few minutes.

Maritime Logistics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Maritime Logistics - Essay Example The second chapter deals exclusively on the group’s supply chain by analysing the process and practices with key supply chain issues that affect the top and bottom line of the company. It also discusses about the drivers that maintain the group’s competitiveness in three key dimensions such as – quality, cost and time. The subsequent chapter explains about the realm of maritime logistics delving deep into how the maritime process can be seamlessly integrated into the logistic and supply chain system of a business. At the end it discusses how the group can leverage on maritime logistics and minimise certain endemic supply-chain issues such as the bullwhip effect. The ArcelorMittal, the world’s number one steel company with over 32000 employeesi and presence in over 60 countries and is a truly global steel maker. It is a market leader in all the global steel markets such as automotive, construction, household appliances and packaging. The group holds sizable captive supplies of raw materials and operates a huge distribution network throughout the globeii. With revenue of $124.9 billion and crude steel production of 103.3 million tonnes, it represents almost 10 percent of the global steel outputiii. ArcelorMittal’s chief operations include providing ‘steel solutions and services’. The group operates in more than 500 centres and 32 countries, providing to approximately 200,000 customers a full portfolio of flat and long products, tubes and stainless steel; adding value through further processing and providing technical, engineering and consultancy supportiv. A detailed list of products is placed at the appendix to this reportv. The group through its integrated business model operates in the entire hierarchy of the business from mining and sourcing of raw materials to managing a mammoth mobilisation network that transports the raw materials to the factory location, followed by designing and manufacturing

Buildilng Construction for the Fire Service Research Paper

Buildilng Construction for the Fire Service - Research Paper Example Also, this paper explains that the knowledge of the building collapses greatly impacted the revision of the building codes. Building design is typically the application of the engineering and architectural knowledge in the design of buildings. Building design begins as an idea (Allen & Iano, 2004). Thus, it is the creative architect who creates or manages the over-all building design works. The practical engineer, on the other hand, implements what is on the blueprint. In the modern era, building design has been highly specialized. Due to the multifarious demands (e.g., fire-proof structures) in building quality structures, different and specialized technical professionals are needed to get the job done. By and large, the activities and implementations of the building design greatly involve time, cost, and performance (Groak, 1992). Production time and cost, on the other hand, are to be harnessed without compromising quality result (Chan & Chan, 2002). In the designing a building, few parameters are considered: (1) the shape or structure of the building; (2) the forces inherent in the designed building; (3) processes in the assembly of materials; (4) the materials to be used; and (5) the connections from one material to another (Groak, 1992). First, the shape of the building largely shapes the design. It is primarily concerned with the relation between the whole building and its structural members (Groak, 1992). The principle is basically drawn from mathematics; the geometrical shape of an object determines its strength or weakness. In fact, the structural shape defines the motion of forces. For instance, the geometrical shape of bi-axial symmetry and cellular spaces are advantageous to earthquake phenomenon (Groak, 1992). Furthermore, shapes either expand or shrink space like the block design (Chang & Chang, 2002). And in times of calamity, the building’s space helps or dissipates the movement of fire within the

Learning Disability Nurse Reflection

Learning Disability Nurse Reflection Summary reflection –Modules 5 9 Working as a learning disability nurse, poses a career fraught with many interesting and often frustrating challenges. However, this is a population that cannot be ignored or slighted medically just because they present with special needs (DOH 2001). Emerson et al. (2001) state that 2.5 – 3% of the population in the UK are among the learning disabled, with 30% of these individuals presenting with categorically severe or profound learning disabilities. Emerson et al. (2001) also tell us that frequently multiple learning disabilities present in the same individual, including physical and/or sensory impairments, physical or sensory disability and/or behavioural difficulties. The five modules presented an opportunity to explore various aspects of this specialty area and reflect on the experience on a module by module basis. The act of revisiting the individual reflection pieces to present the current summary essay allowed for not only intellectually experiencing what I wrote, but it also allowed me to re-experience each situation and gain a new appreciation for the patients I worked with, the teams I took part in, the pros and cons of each situation and what I have learned that will be immediately applicable to a real world work environment. Importance of reflection Driscoll and Teh (2001) tell us that practitioners can gain a stronger understanding about various interventions and protocols used, as well as reviewing the situation specifics of each incident, through the process of reflection. In particular, Foster (1985) stressed the importance of using a journal for purposes of written reflection on nursing practices and procedures in order to help clarify issues and make them more real and visual. Gardiner and Lawley (1995) believe that self awareness, one of the outcomes of nursing reflection, can enable staff to recognise the skills they employ and add meaning to their interactions with peers, team members and clients/patients. There were many positives and negatives I experienced on a module by module basis, but in summary, these will be presented thematically. Achievements Module Five offered the opportunity to gain insight into the lifestyle experienced by those with learning disabilities. Similarly, Module Seven provided much needed and interesting information on the role of special health needs observed in those with special needs. This enabled me to make a difference for a client with diabetes through the development of a health care action plan that included the client’s smoking cessation; something the social worker assigned to the case was no knowledgeable of. It was quite exciting to improve my communication skills throughout the five modules. For example, I was able to improve my rapport with other colleagues and various multidisciplinary healthcare professionals as well as clients as I achieved Module Nine communication based learning objectives. Godsell and Scarbrough (2006) comment communication skills are essential for healthcare practitioners. I believe they are even more critical for those working with the learning disabled. Another example was the ability to communicate effectively myself and help others, such as residential home management, communicate with a specific autistic client experiencing difficulty in choosing daily activities based on his disability. I was able to include this client in the decisions made which is critical to empowering the client with a sense of self. Similarly, during Module Five, I worked with a cerebral palsy client who was screaming due to discomfort; that was her mode of communication, which at th e time I failed to recognise, but upon reflection now know actions as well as words are important modes of communication for those with learning disabilities. Shortcomings In general, a major negative I encountered was feeling I was used as â€Å"the help† rather than as a student nurse during my placement. This limited my ability to contribute and to grow personally and professionally. This was particularly evident during Module Five. Similarly, during Module Eight I was faced with a situation creating a significant amount of stress with no stress management advice or training opportunities from which to learn how to effectively cope. Contrary to Davidson’s (2001) research, there were no in-house stress management training opportunities to take advantage of. There was a sharp discrepancy in Module Nine when reviewing the Valuing People (2001) discourse in relation to people with learning disabilities (PWLD) between what was written in the document and what I experienced at work; whereas the document stresses the rights inherent for all people be extended to PWLD, it was my experience that daily patients and clients were denied access to services due to budgetary measures rather than expressing interest in people’s rights to quality healthcare and a quality standard of life. Gates (2003) tells us those with learning disabilities have rights and should be encouraged to attain respect and reach their potential. Challenges/Learning opportunities One of the main challenges I experienced in the module series, particularly with Module Five, was relating theory to practice. However, through additional research and self motivated learning I was able to bridge the gap. I also experienced a number of personal and professional challenges that I believe helped me become a stronger person and future professional. For example, at the beginning of Module Six, my mentor informed me he would not be available to me. This was very frustrating and upsetting as I knew without the help of a mentor, it would be very difficult to achieve the specific learning objectives outlined. However, I was able to turn this situation into a positive by becoming an active contributor to my own educational process by learning, understanding and solving real life problems (Kaufman, Mann Jennet 2000). Similarly, in Module Nine, I found several of the teaching styles challenging, but that helped to develop my research skills and allow me to make contributions in the group and EBL sessions. This also helped to develop my learning and presentation skills. An additional challenge in Module Nine was situation I encountered when viewing a medication administration concern at work. While I informed my manager of the situation, the team had a negative reaction rather than positive which would have been consistent with concern over patient/client care. Thomas, Mason and Ford (2003) tell us it is difficult for workers to become whistleblowers, especially in situations related to patient/client care or maintaining standards of care. This was an even more difficult challenge for me as I was only a student with limited status in the work environment. This was similar to the situation I found myself in during Module Seven when the community care social worker appeared to be neglecting the client’s diabetes, which is inconsistent with the General Social Care Council (2002) code of practices. I felt I was caught in the middle being a student making suggestions and pointing out care inconsistencies. Through the increased communication skills I developed, I was able to participate with the social worker in the role Gates (2003) identified as a learning disability nurse educator and facilitate changes. In conclusion, through the combined effects of achieving the modules’ learning objectives, reflection on the positive and negative events as well as challenges I encountered throughout modules 5 – 9 have enhanced my skill development of working with the learning disabled, improved my problem solving skills, allowed for improved communicative ability both on interdisciplinary teams as well as working with learning or developmentally challenged persons. The added use of written reflection as a tool will further my ability to transfer these skills into practice in my future placement and allow me to be effective in my nursing capacity on day one of my engagement. References Davidson, J. 2001. Stress management: Minute 10 guide. New York: Macmillan, USA. Department of Health. 2001. Valuing People: A new strategy for learning disability for the 21st century. White Paper CM5086. Great Britain. Driscoll, J Teh, B. 2001. The potential of reflective practice to develop individual orthopaedic nurse practitioner and their practice. Journal of Orthopedic Nursing, 5, 95 – 103. Emerson, E, Hatton, C, Felce, D Murphy, A. 2001. Fundamental facts. London: The Foundation of People with a Learning Disability. Gates, B. 2004. Learning disabilities: Towards inclusion (4th ed). London: Churchill Livingstone. General Social Care Council. 2002. Code of Practice for Social Care Workers and Code of Practice for Employers of Social Care Workers. [Online]. Retrieved from: http://www.gscc.org.uk/NR/rdonlyres/8E693C62-9B17-48E1-A806-3F6F280354FD/0/CodesofPractice.doc [Accessed 20 September 2008]. Godsell, M Scarbrough, K. 2006. Improving communication for people with learning disabilities. Nursing Standards, 20(30), 58 – 68. Kaufman, DM, Mann, KV Jennet, P. 2000. Teaching and learning in medical education: How theory can inform practice. London: Association for the Study of Medical Education Monograph. Gardiner, A Lawley, K. 1995. Health and social care: Longman advanced GNVQ test and assessment guide. London: Longman Publishing Group. Thomas, A, Mason, L Ford, S. 2003. Care management in practice for the registered manager award: Essential reading for all care managers (2nd ed). Oxford: Heinemann Educational Publishers

Irish Prison System Essay

In 2012, the average cost of imprisonment per prisoner in Ireland was â‚ ¬65, 404. The current prison population is 4, 306. That’s an estimated 282, 000,000 of the tax payers money spent on prisons in Ireland per annum. Introduction This Irish prison system consists of 15 different institutions. This is made up of eleven traditional ‘closed’ prisons, two ‘open’ prisons, a training prison and a prison for young offenders. All of our prisons are termed medium-low security, apart from Portlaoise prison; a male only prison and our countries only high security prison. The purpose of a prison is to retain those legally committed of a crime as punishment or whilst they await trial. ‘The mission of the Irish prison service (as stated in their 2010 Annual Report) is to provide safe, secure and humane custody for people who are sent to prison. The Service is committed to managing custodial sentences in a way which encourages and supports prisoners in their endeavouring to live law abiding and purposeful lives as valued members of society.’ This essay will examine the capital which is currently spent on the Irish prison system and assess if the Irish prison system merits the money which it expends. Is â‚ ¬65,404 a reasonable amount to spend on the legal punishment of one individual, and are the systems in place effective in providing our prisoners with rehabilitation and social regeneration? Utilising these findings the discussion will attempt to offer alternative systems of punishment to imprisonment. Poor Conditions The European Convention for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT) carried out an examination of Irish prison conditions in January- February 2010. The report described ‘degrading’ behaviour and ‘un-hygienic’ conditions. An examination of Portlaoise prison’s E-block discovered inadequate and unacceptable sanitary facilities. The cells were small (6m ²) and some of them were dilapidated with broken windows and dirty walls. None of the cells had in-cell sanitation and, at night, if a prisoner had to defecate he was likely thereafter to wrap up the faeces in a parcel and sometimes throw it out of the window. A typical day for a prisoner is made up of 16  ½ hours of ‘lock up’, those under severe confinement can endure 18 hours or more of being restricted to their cell. In extreme cases some prisoners may not even get to spend one hour a day outside of their cell. The CPT concluded that: ‘†¦ 23-hour lock-up should only be considered as a temporary respite, whereas in the Irish prison system it has developed into a general measure.’ The Prisoner’s Life Whilst research presents the inhumane conditions that exist in some of our prisons we also hear reports of recreationally facilities that some law abiding working class citizens do not even have access too. In 2009 journalist with the Evening Herald, Cormac Looney states that a sum of almost â‚ ¬200,000 was spent on sports equipment for prisoners in Ireland. He notes that Mountjoy Prison received â‚ ¬36,388 worth or sports, gym and recreational equipment, while inmates of the high-security Portlaoise prison which include former gang lord John Giligan received â‚ ¬28, 214 in sports equipment. Fiach Kelly of the Irish Independent informed us in 2010 that members of the Irish prison service had signed an additional â‚ ¬200,000 contract to upgrade our prisons for the subsequent three years. Kelly quotes Fine Gael’s then spokesman on public spending, Brian Hayes. â€Å"I fully accept the prisoners need proper gym facilities,† he said. â€Å"The question is why are they being kitted out again at this cost. I find it quite extraordinary the IPS (Irish Prisoners Service) signed off on this lavish expenditure item.† The IPS justified these expenses, claiming the equipment was of good value for the agreed price. An IPS spokesperson maintained that the provision of a gym would in the long run help prisoners to take control of other areas of their lives. Surely our prison systems main priority should be acting in accordance to their mission statement as stated in their three year strategic plan (2012-2015), adhering to the guidelines set for protecting basic human rights and meeting the prescribed health and safety standards. Our Mission: Providing safe and secure custody, dignity of care and rehabilitation to prisoners for safer communities. Our Vision: A safer community through excellence in a prison service built on respect for human dignity. A Case Study – Inside the Joy Little do Irishmen know the wretchedness of imprisonment. (John K. Casey, Fenian prisoner, Mountjoy Prison) Much ‘no-holds-barred’ writings exist on the inside stories of Mountjoy prison. They reveal what life is really like as an inmate; from desperation and depression, to bullying, beatings and the drugs network. The 2010 report by the CPT describes the ill-treatment of prisoners by staff members. An inmate of Mountjoy prison claims he was physically assaulted by a number of prison officers; A prisoner at Mountjoy Prison alleged that on 15 October 2009 he was physically assaulted in his cell by several prison officers, in the course of which he claimed he was thrown on the floor and repeatedly stamped and hit on the chest, arms and head. He also alleged that he was punched in the ribs while being escorted down the stairs to the basement of B Block 9. The photographic evidence of the injuries contained in the medical record is consistent with repeated injury to the chest wall; extensive bruising of the outer aspect of the left arm is not consistent with simply having been restrained. Former Governor of Mountjoy John Lonergan provides an insight into the prison. Even Lonergan maintains it was still a kip when he retired in June 2010. Paul Howards ‘tell-all’ account of a prisoner’s life in Mountjoy unveil stark revelations of the desperate conditions Irelands’ criminals endure. Prisoners are limited to one shower a week and one change of underwear per week. We learn of the littlest things that bring joy to the inmates such as a radio-show by Father Michael Cleary and the effects that using a privilege like the use of the library have on prisoners. Problems with Irish Prisons The Irish Prison System leaves a lot to be desired, outlined below are two of the major problems the system faces. * Overcrowding An over-reliance of the Irish criminal system on imprisonment as a form of punishment is just one explanation but forward in an attempt to explain the vast number (4,306) of criminals sentenced to imprisonment. The number of individuals sent to prison for not paying fines has increased by 10.5%, resulting in an estimated 18 non-fine payers occupying prison cells on any one day. Findings of the CPT report over-crowding in all the major prisons. The report questions the progress of Mountjoy’s Thornton Hall complex which the Irish authorities had originally optimistically stated would be complete and ready for occupancy in 2010, this date has now been pushed back to 2015. Besides building new cells and providing additional sleeping arrangements our only option is to reduce the number of individuals admitted to our prisons. Tackling the crime rate is another problem so for now we should look at providing petty criminals with punishment other than imprisonment. The Irish Prison Services Annual Reports for 2002 and 2003, noting the expense of keeping an individual in prison stress that ‘imprisonment must remain the sanction of last resort.’ * Staffing Issues In 2010 the Irish Examiner amongst other national publications alleged that Northern Ireland’s prisons had more staff than inmates. Particular reference was made to Maghaberry prison, a high security prison in Co. Antrim. Statistics presented showed that Northern Ireland’s 1,500 prisoner population was staffed by approximately 2,300 persons. A well-staffed prison is not sufficient if it can’t recognise its’ inmates basic human rights and provide facilities which satisfy these. â‚ ¬282,000,000 Worth of Expenses If overcrowding is common, and basic sanitary facilities are not being provided then why is the Irish Prison System expending an overwhelming amount of capital? While the figures are high expenditure has actually de-creased in recent years, this is not due to a fall in the number of prisoners but more to do with the issue of overcrowding which reduces the cost of bed space. Again we need to look at those responsible for the management of staffing and finance. It seems the Irish Prison System, like much of the State’s governing bodies need a lesson in financial management. What is the Alternative? There is no question that prisons are an integral part of any functioning society, but in order to provide basic facilities for criminals who require such punishment we need to look at the crimes that may not require punishment of that extent. We need to look at alternative means of punishment for the likes of non-fine payers and similar offenders. The Evening Herald tells us that just less than 200 individuals were punished with prison sentences for not paying court fines linked to TV licenses in 2011. The article shows that 25 people a day are now being sent to prison for failing to pay court fines. There were 1, 680 women sent to prison in 2011 and 1, 300 of those were due to their failure to pay court ordered fines. An obvious alternative punishment for non-fine payers and similar offenders is community service, no real threat to society as a whole and humiliation and inconvenience would be effective punishment for such crimes. Community service could be in their local area so as to increase the humiliation therefore deter individuals from re-offending and encourage others to pay such charges. Another suggestion is the introduction of manual labour into the prison system. The Irish Prison System outlined the need for exercise for prisoners, instead of spending capital on the provision of state-of-the-art fitness and training equipment serious offenders could be forced to participate in tasks such as the cleaning, up-keep and refurbishing of prisons. While a prisoner’s intrinsic rights and health must always be foremost in decision making a reduction in some more lavish recreational facilities may reduce the number of re-offenders when they have extremely negative experiences in prison. The number of prisoners committed to prison more than once in 2010 stood at 3,421. In More Streetwise: Stories from Irish Prisons editor and part-time prison teacher Neville Thompson suggests the provision of a back-up system for prisoners when they are released. He describes a touring theatre company which he hopes to set up; â€Å"What a Waste Productions.† The company would engage in writing, music, acting, set design and production. This idea could reduce the number of re-offenders. With too much time to think and very little space in which to do it prisoner’s very often resort to writing or poetry, involvement in something positive which helps them discuss and come to terms with their experiences in prison may discourage prisoners from returning to crime. Thompson envisages the production company eventually becoming self-supporting but justifies initial government financial input in these terms; It now costs â‚ ¬85,000 to keep a prisoner inside. God knows how many prisoners rob before they are caught again. However, we are looking to get â‚ ¬20,000 per prisoner for the projects we have in hand. At first instance, taking the projects we have in place it would cost us â‚ ¬200,000 to keep our project afloat for a year as opposed to â‚ ¬850,000 to keep them incarcerated. Conclusion While the idea that prisons’ are a complete waste of money is generally as result of ignorance the large amount of capital that the Irish Prison System expends is not justified when we look at the failure of Irish prisons to deliver basic facilities to inmates. We need to sentence those who need to be dealt with in such a way and look at an alternative means of punishment for those who don’t require such punishment. Much media coverage tells us of the lavish lifestyles which inmates such as Sean Quinn lead. This glamourises prison life and needs to be tackled in order to promote a less-appealing system and make the Irish prison system what it should be; a threat to discourage individuals from committing crimes. The suggestion that tackling media portrayal of life in prison would greatly reduce the number of offenders is highly idealistic but coupled with an effective program for criminals coming out of prison may at least reduce the number of re-offenders. References Books: * Carey, T. 2000. Mountjoy: The Story of a Prison. Cork: The Collins Press. * Howard, P.1996. The Joy. Dublin: The O’Brien Press. * Lonergan, J. 2010. The Governor. Dublin: Penguin Ireland. * O’Donnell, I. and O’Sullivan. E. 2001. Crime Control in Ireland: The politics of Intolerance. Cork: Cork University Press. * O’Mahony, P. 2000. Prison Policy in Ireland: Criminal Justice versus Social Justice. Cork: Cork University Press. * Thompson, N. 2007. More Streetwise: Stories from Irish Prisons. Mullingar: Killynon House Books Ltd. Government Publications: * Irish Prison Service 2012. Three Year Strategic Plan [Online] Available from: http://www.drugsandalcohol.ie/17473/1/ips_three_year_strategic_plan.pdf [Last Accessed 09 May 2013] * The European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment 2010. Report to the Government of Ireland on the visit to Ireland carried out by the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment [Online]. Available from: http://www.cpt.coe.int/documents/irl/2011-03-inf-eng.pdf [Accessed 09 May 2013]. * The Irish Prison Service 2010. Irish Prison Service Annual Report [Online] Available from:http://www.justice.ie/en/JELR/Irish_Prison_Service_2010_Annual_Report.pdf/Files/Irish_Prison_Service_2010_Annual_Report.pdf [Accessed 09 May 2013] Newspaper Articles: * Kelly, F. 2010. Prisons to spend â‚ ¬200,000 on ‘lavish’ equipment for gyms. The Irish Independent: Ireland [Online], 13 October. Available from: http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/prisons-to-spend-200000-on-lavish-equipment-for-gyms-26689415.html [Accessed 09 May 2013]. * Lavery, M. 2013. 121 women are sent to jail for failing to pay TV licence fines. The Evening Herald: Ireland [Online], 15 December. Available from: http://www.herald.ie/news/121-women-are-sent-to-jail-for-failing-to-pay-tv-licence-fines-28963049.html [Accessed 09 May 2013]. * Looney, C. 2009. â‚ ¬200k for prison gyms as garda budget slashed. The Evening Herald: Ireland [Online], 05 March. Available from: http://www.herald.ie/news/200k-for-prison-gyms-as-garda-budget-slashed-27903752.html [Accessed 09 May 2013]. * O’Keefe, C. 2013. Prison bosses urge to kick football spend to touch. The Irish Examiner Ireland [Online], 10 January. Available from: http://www.irishexaminer.com/ireland/pri son-bosses-urged-to-kick-football-spend-to-touch-219146.html [Accessed 09 May 2013]. * The Irish Examiner, 2010. North’s prisons ineffective ‘despite having more staff than prisoners’. 14 December. Available from: http://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/ireland/norths-prisons-ineffective-despite-having-more-staff-than-prisoners-485592.html [Accessed 09 May 2013]. Websites: * The Irish Penal Reform Trust 2013. Facts and figures [Online]. Available from: http://www.iprt.ie/ [Last Accessed 09 May 2013]. * The Irish Prison Service 2013. Prisons [Online] Available from: http://www.irishprisons.ie/index.php/joomlaorg [Last Accessed 09 May 2013]. Other: * Jesuit Centre for Faith and Justice 2012. The Irish Prison System Vision, Values, Reality. Dublin: Jesuit Centre for Faith and Justice. * Matthews-Lynch, C. 2010. Are prisons a waste of money? [Online] BA, Dublin City University. Available: http://carlymatthews.me/writings/college/2nd-year/cm261-crime-the-media/ [Last Accessed 09 May 2013].