Attendance at open prison activities poor

THE new prison inspector has found that a large percentage of inmates at an open centre are not engaged in any structured activity.

Judge Michael Reilly said this was “not acceptable” and said only about 40% of prisoners marked down for work or education classes were actually doing so.

In his first inspection report since assuming office last January, Judge Reilly said Loughan House in Co Cavan had generally good facilities and prisoners had no significant complaints.