Prison chiefs told to remedy flaws

PRISON chiefs have been ordered to address chronic overcrowding, “slopping out” and hygiene problems in their facilities by the end of next month, or face the consequences of their actions.

A new report by the nation’s inspector of prisons, Judge Michael Reilly, has warned that unless the serious flaws are immediately tackled, prison chiefs will have no other option than admit they are flouting established human rights levels of care.

According to the prisons watchdog, Ireland’s inmates — which also include those incarcerated for minor offences — are still being forced to live in custodial conditions which directly contradict even the most basic human rights standards.

These include:

* The only fresh water taps in the A and B wings at Limerick prison being placed directly over “slopping out” equipment

* Major drug-dealing problems at facilities, including Limerick, Cork and Mountjoy

* More than one in every four prisoners being locked up in their cells for extended periods at Castlerea in Co Roscommon because of staff shortages and protection reasons

* The lack of adequate CCTV coverage, prisoner protection from violence, safe recreational areas and different locations for juvenile and adult inmates in other facilities

Other issues highlighted are “filthy” wings, broken windows, broken and leaking equipment, unpainted areas, smashed windows, overcrowding and dangerously low levels of staffing in certain locations.

Of particular concern to the inspector is the lack of action by Limerick prison chiefs in addressing the water taps issue.

“I had brought this to the attention of management in mid-June 2010. I was informed the situation had been remedied. [However], on my last inspection on December 7 I found that the situation was as bad as I had found it in June.

“This suggests indifference on the part of the prison authorities,” Judge Reilly confirmed.

The inspector has given prison governors until the end of next month to take genuine steps to address the difficulties.

He has also called for the establishment of proper complaints and disciplinary procedures against staff, the appropriate use of safety and observation cells, timetables for the elimination of overcrowding, adequate health care services and new protocols to investigate deaths in custody.

However, despite the call, it is unclear what actions will be taken if these targets are not achieved.

Justice Minister Alan Shatter said it is his intention to explore alternatives to custody as a means of reducing the pressure in prisons.

He added that the overcrowding crisis in the country’s prisons does not ensuring people who are guilty of serious offences will be able to escape sentencing.