The Irish Penal Reform Trust has said this week's report from the Inspector of Prisons describes shocking conditions which are both unacceptable and in breach of human rights standards.

PRISONERS in Mountjoy have signed a petition to complain about conditions in the jail which they hope to pass on to prison authorities.

A strong message must be sent out that criminals convicted of murder will serve lengthy prison sentences, it was warned today.

The Inspector of Prisons has recommended that Irish jails be privatised in an effort to make them more efficient and cost-effective.