Ahern: We are taking measures

JUSTICE MINISTER Dermot Ahern said measures were being taken to try and keep the prison population in Mountjoy below 600.

This is 60 short of what the Inspector of Prisons is calling for, but would be 80 less than the prison population last May.

Mr Ahern said they were cutting prison numbers in Mountjoy by:

- Creating 100 new prison spaces at Castlerea Prison, with a further 400 spaces at Wheatfield and Portlaoise.

- Reducing imprisonment for non-payment of fines, following the introduction of a new Fines Bill 2009.

- Reopening of the Separation Unit in Mountjoy with 30 cells (56 beds) to take protection prisoners.

“The director-general of the Irish Prison Service has indicated that with these additional 56 spaces it is his intention, in so far as is practicable, to keep the prison population of Mountjoy under 600,” said Mr Ahern.

Fine Gael justice spokesman Charlie Flanagan said that the inspector described a prison “neither safe for prisoners nor staff” and called on Mr Ahern to urgently implement the recommendations.

The Irish Penal Reform Trust (IPRT) said the report provided “incontrovertible and devastating evidence” of chronic conditions at the country’s largest jail and said it should act as a “watershed” for the penal system.

“We need a clear statement from the minister that he will commit to addressing the urgent issues identified in this report, and that he will give the support and leadership necessary to the Irish Prison Service,” said the trust’s Liam Herrick.