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:
Man Dies In Westmeath After Taking Ill Following Car Crash
A man in his 60s has lost his life after an incident in Killucan on Friday afternoon.
Reversal On Road Safety Authority "A Damaging U-Turn" - IRHA
The Government is scrapping plans to reform the Road Safety Authority.
Midlands Region Joins UNESCO Learning Network
Laois, Offaly, Westmeath and Longford are joining UNESCO's Global Network of Learning Cities.
€5.5m Awarded To Regenerative Projects Across Midlands
17 new tourism projects are being funded under Fáilte Ireland’s Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking Scheme.
Community Support For Midlands Pharmacy Owner After Arson Attack
McQuaid's pharmacy in Oldcastle was set alight on Thursday morning.
Westmeath Psychotherapist Advises Caution On Naughty Or Nice List
Psychologist at Athlone Care Clinic Siobhan Leijen advises children can take it to heart
Progress On Funding Application For Offaly Domestic Violence Refuge
The funding application for the refuge in Tullamore has passed its first stage.
Midlands Community Shocked After Arson Attack
An inquiry is underway into the arson attack into McQuaid's Pharmacy in Oldcastle.
Road Deaths Surge As Campaigner Says Ireland Is Failing To Act
183 have died in on the roads this year.
Farmers Protest Mercosur Deal As Signing Is Delayed
Over 7,000 farmers were in Brussels to protest the move.
Teen Arrested In Westmeath Over €62k Cocaine Seizure
Gardai carried out the seizure in Athlone on Wednesday.
Uisce Eireann Submits Planning Permission For Midlands Water Supply Project
Construction will start in 2028 once approved by An Comisiúin Pleanála.
GOAL Mile Returns To The Midlands For 2025
€750,000 was raised for GOAL’s programmes last year.
High Court Warns Crackdown on Court Disruptions
It follows Enoch Burke and his families persistent courtroom disruptions.
New Programme For Laois And Offaly TY Students In Digital Arts
The New Programme features Filmmaking, Podcasting and Virtual Reality.
Man Jailed Over Westmeath Defilement Case
The 23 year old man pleaded guilty to defilement of a child.
Coillte Opens Applications for 2026 Forestry Scholarship
Laois SETU student, Evan McSpadden is among the current scholars.
European Parliament Backs Initiative On Safe Abortion Access
1.2 million European citizens signed the proposal.
Man Arrested In Laois On Outstanding Warrant Following Public Tip-Off
He has since been charged.
Offaly Choir Bringing Festive Cheer To Church This Weekend
The Sing It! Community Choir will be performing Christmas favourites tomorrow evening.
