178 prisoners spend 23 hours a day in cells

A TOTAL of 178 prisoners are locked in their cell for 23 hours or more each day — many for their own protection.

In figures provided by Justice Minister Alan Shatter, he confirmed a further 51 prisoners spend between 22 and 23 hours in their cells daily, with a further 47 prisoners locked up between 20 and 22 hours.

Mr Shatter also said that on November 21, 88 prisoners were confined to their cells for 18 to 20 hours.