ANNUAL SPECIAL REPORT 2016 11 the framework of a mid-term coordinated penal and correctional policy – a priority which the Administration appears to grasp in principle.2 It has been observed that in all Detention Facilities there is a lack of creative activity and recreation programmes for the prisoners, a fact of crucial importance particularly with regard to their psychological state. Medical, pharmaceutical and dental care are also lacking, with the Tripoli Detention Facility – which does not even have a visiting dentist, let alone a permanent one – being a characteristic example. Moreover, there is no provision for the detention of women in the prison’s hospital and psychiatric facility. There are significant shortages of personal hygiene products since, because of the difficult financial circumstances, the regular donations of the past have dried up. Finally, a common request from the various facilities is the discontinuation of paying a stamp duty to the Disability Certification Centres (KEPA) on behalf of the detainees, many of whom, although meeting the formal requirements, are unable to pay the amount imputed to them. The existence and operation of second chance schools is generally considered to be a positive development, with the exception of the Domokos Detention Centre, where such a school operated until October 2014 and then ceased when the Facility was designated as a C-type penitentiary. It is expected to re-operate once a new Director has been appointed (the process is under way). The schools have a particularly uplifting effect on the prisoners’ spirits and, undoubtedly, contribute to their smooth reintegration into society. The NPM visited the schools at the Larissa, Trikala and Corinth Detention Facilities and encountered particularly active and sensitive directors and teachers. However, it should be noted that the parallel organisation of vocational training programmes, aimed at acquiring a certificate, would further assist prisoners’ occupational rehabilitation. The NPM also recommended the operation of a secondary school within the existing structure of the second-chance school in detention facilities where there is enough interest from inmates, given that this would strengthen the prisoners’ abilities and prospects, particularly those who would like to continue on to tertiary education. The Ministry of Justice informed the NPM that it is already working with the Ministry of Education on implementing the project. Significant shortages of office and security personnel at the detention facilities were noted. The social services also appear to be severely understaffed, with a shortage of social workers and psychologists. For example, at the Domokos Detention Facility the social service has been operating at diminished capacity since 2008 and a correctional employee replaces a social 2 See the Special Report on the “Prevention of torture and ill-treatment” 2015, p. 3, https://www.synigoros.gr/resources/docs/ee2015-15-basanistiria--2.pdf