Dundon claims he wants to learn Arabic and Turkish in prison

A legal challenge by convicted criminal Wayne Dundon to a decision by the authorities at Cloverhill Prison to isolate him from the mainstream population has been further adjourned in the High Court.

The Limerick man complains he is being denied access to prison educational and training facilities in circumstances where he wishes to learn languages, such as Arabic and Turkish. He also complains that restrictions were placed on family visits and says his segregation is a breach of his rights.

In proceedings against the governor of Cloverhill Prison, the justice minister, Ireland, and the Attorney General, Dundon is seeking to be transferred to an ordinary block within the mainstream prison. He also wants to take part in structured activities for not less than five hours a day, five days a week.

Alternatively, he is seeking a transfer out of Cloverhill into an ordinary block of another prison. The State opposes the proceedings and argues that Dundon has no arguable case.

Ms Justice Maureen Clark yesterday adjourned the matter to a date later this month after Padraig Dwyer SC, for Dundon, said talks between the sides had failed to resolve the action.

The judge also agreed that Dundon’s lawyers may amend his case in circumstances where many of the issues raised had since been dealt with.

In the amended claim, Dundon wants a declaration that, from April to early September, his segregation in Cloverhill breached natural and constitutional justice and the prison rules. All other aspects of Dundon’s action have been struck out. The judge said she was adopting this approach because, since launching his High Court action, Dundon had received at least one contact visit from his family. Since early last month, the prison governor had informed Dundon he was being segregated for reasons including Dundon’s history of involvement in violence and of breaking prison rules.

The judge said she was bemused by some of Dundon’s claims, including a wish to be provided with educational facilities to learn languages such as Arabic and Turkish.

David Keane SC, for the State, opposed the application to amend the proceedings. Mr Dwyer said new proceedings may be initiated by his client against the governor’s decision to keep him segregated.

The matter was adjourned for mention before the President of the High Court, Mr Justice Nicholas Kearns, later this month.