Prisoners to get drug tests, vows McDowell

MANDATORY drug tests, closed visits for addicts and dog units will be introduced as Justice Minister Michael McDowell yesterday vowed to eliminate the supply of narcotics into the State’s prisons.

Opponents argue that there is no way of eliminating drugs in prisons, that his plans will in fact increase the number of heroin users and lead to rising tensions between inmates and staff.

Mr McDowell, in a speech to governors inside Portlaoise Prison yesterday, outlined the strategy he believes will eliminate the supply of drugs into prisons.

He has also rejected outright any suggestion that a needle exchange or sterilisation programme, to cut down the risk of hepatitis C or HIV infection, be introduced. This is contrary to the views of Drugs Minister Noel Ahern and of a Government task force on healthcare in prisons.

“I will not accept that drugs in prison are a fact of life about which nothing constructive can be done,” said Mr McDowell.

He outlined his plans for supply elimination through heavier security during visits, blocking personal contact between addicts and their families, mandatory testing and the introduction of canine units.

He warned the governors that it was their “personal responsibility” to deliver and within deadline.

“I will be closely monitoring your progress on this and will expect regular reports from the director general on progress,” he told the most senior prison officers in the country.

“It is the aim of this policy... to eradicate any ‘drug culture’ in prisons, remove temptation of drug abuse for some prisoners, and end the cycle of abuse for others,” the minister said.

Irish Penal Reform Trust (IPRT) executive director Rick Lines said mandatory testing was introduced in Scotland but abandoned because it led to a rise in the number of heroin users as inmates switched from cannabis, which can stay in the system for up to 30 days as opposed to three days for the harder drug.

This has been replicated in many parts of the world, Mr Lines said.

He added that blocking physical contact will add to tensions in prisons and, while it may lead to a decrease in drugs, will not lead to eradication. They will find a way, he said.

John Lonergan, the governor of Mountjoy, where 230 male inmates are on the methadone programme, said he had no problem with the plans if addicts have access to proper treatment.

Currently, the drug treatment programme runs “on a shoestring”, he said.

Addicts who remain negative for drug tests could be rewarded with early or temporary release or, on the other hand, lose remission and privileges if they are found to have tested positive.