But a former governor believes rates are still far too low.
Prisoners were paid nearly €2.8 million in pocket money by the state last year.
Inmates in Midlands Prison got nearly €596,000 in total - the highest in the country.
Every prisoner gets a daily allowance of between 95 cents and €2.20, and an extra 50 cents if they work in the jail.
Former Portlaoise and Mountjoy Prison governor, John Lonergan, says the daily rates are far too low:
Portiuncula Maternity Alliance Push HSE For Set Timeline On Reinstating Services
A new survey shows 84% of women reported a good or very good maternity experience at Portiuncula.
Emergency Services Attending Scene Of Westmeath Crash
The incident took place in Ballymore this afternoon.
Taoiseach Under Pressure As Fianna Fáil Discontent Grows
Questions remain over when the Taoiseach knew of Mr Gavin’s unpaid tenant issue.
Thousands Of Farmers Descend On Brussels To Oppose Mercosur Trade Deal
The IFA President is one those taking part.
Calls Made For Greater Police Presence In Offaly Town
Councillor Noel Cribbin feels it could make a real difference to Edenderry.
Quarter Of Residents In Laois IPAS Centre Granted Permission To Stay In Ireland
The inspection took place at Didean Portlaoise in September.
Man Arrested After Attack On Offaly Garda Station
The incident took place around 8am this morning.
Gardaí Investigating Criminal Damage At Midlands Pharmacy
The incident took place in the early hours of this morning.
Midlands County Hosts Water Safety Awards Ceremony
Stephen O’Toole, Chairperson of Laois Water Safety, said he was proud of the success of the recent water safety classes
Surge In Respiratory Illness Cases Forces Visiting Restrictions For Midlands Hospital
Visits to Brosna Ward are allowed only for compassionate or critical cases.
Midlands MEP Warns Of EU Meat Price Collapse Ahead Of Mercosur Protest
Protests are taking place in Brussels today.
Offaly TDs Raise Community Policing Concerns Following Arson Attack
Tadhg Farrell and Mary Holt lost their lives during a house fire in Edenderry.
Fianna Fáil Warns Ireland Must Stay Competitive Amid Minimum Wage Increase
The minimum wage will rise to €14.15.
Uisce Eireann Confirms Completion Of Offaly Works
The replacement of old water pipes in Lusmagh began in October.
Man Hospitalised With Serious Injuries Following Offaly Crash
It happened in Killaderry yesterday afternoon.
Biodiversity Children's Book Launches In Midlands
The Three Billy Goats Gruff of Carlow' is a project by the local authority in Carlow.
Over €3.8m In IT And Minor Works Grants Going To Midlands Schools
Standardised payments are also being brought in for the grants.
Midlands Property Prices Continuing To Rise
CSO figures show national prices are up 7.3% in the year to September.
Mercosur Vote Down To The Wire - Midlands MEP
EU countries like France and Italy are looking to delay a final vote on the deal.
Offaly Community Sports Facility To Remain Closed Over Christmas
Geashill Playground's astro-turf is currently closed over insurance policy issues.
