Prison Service criticised by chaplains

PADDED cells are being used to punish prisoners despite a rule that they should be restricted to inmates at highest risk of self-harm, according to chaplains working in jails.

The claim is made in a highly critical National Prison Chaplains’ report which condemns the courts and Irish Prison Service for “shameful and unacceptable” treatment of vulnerable inmates.

The Prison Service denied the claim, saying there was no question of anyone being confined to a padded cell as a punishment. “Prison rules specifically prohibit it,” said spokesman Jim Mitchell.