State ‘faces action over inhumane’ prisons

THE state faces “the live prospect” of being sued in Irish and European courts if legal obligations to prisoners are not met, the Inspector of Prisons has warned.

Judge Michael Reilly said the existing practice in Mountjoy, Cork and Limerick prisons of inmates going to the toilet in front of each other (“slopping out”) was “inhumane and degrading”, a situation compounded by a worsening overcrowding problem.

Publishing a series of reports, the inspector said violence was “endemic” between inmates in Mountjoy and warned: “I am satisfied it is not possible at present to provide safe and secure custody for all prisoners accommodated in the prison”.