Prison chief admits overcrowding is a problem

PRISON boss Brian Purcell yesterday admitted overcrowding was a problem and that the growth of crime gangs in society was reflected in prisons.

Mr Purcell said there was no evidence yet of criminals grooming recruits for the Prison Service but said they were keeping “a close eye” on it with gardaí.

The Prison Service director general was responding to reports from the Prison Officers’ Association (POA) at their annual conference in Castlerea.