Counselling inadequate in prisons, report finds

INADEQUATE psychological counselling, poor treatment programmes for sex offenders and drug use are three of the major shortcomings in Irish prisons, according to the Inspector of Prisons, Mr Justice Dermot Kinlen.

However, there are many positive aspects to the service, including dedicated staff, excellent educational opportunities and good facilities.

His report on three of the country’s prisons, Wheatfield in Clondalkin, Co Dublin; Loughan House in Co Cavan and Fort Mitchel Prison on Spike Island in Cork, was released yesterday by the Department of Justice.