Prison staff question McDowell drug plans

PRISON officers and prisoner rights activists have backed questions raised by Mountjoy Prison governor, John Lonergan, about Justice Minister Michael McDowell’s plans to introduce mandatory drug testing and no-contact prison visits to combat drug use in jails.

The Prison Officers Association (POA) said Mr McDowell had not consulted its members on either issue despite the fact prison officers will be expected to implement the new policies.

The Irish Penal Reform Trust (IPRT) said the minster was opting for "spectacular" measures "for the optics" instead of tackling the root-and-branch causes of the drug problem.