Plan for high support unit at St Pat’s

A vulnerable persons unit will be set up in St Patrick’s Institution after last month’s damning report by the Inspector of Prisons.

Judge Michael Reilly said it was “of the utmost urgency” that a high support unit be established in the detention centre for young offenders.

He said such a unit should be “a dedicated facility for prisoners in an acute disturbed phase of serious mental illness or for those requiring increased observation for physical illness”.

Judge Reilly said the unit would provide increased observation of prisoners by properly trained staff and nurses. It should not be used as an excuse for transferring prisoners to the Central Mental Hospital, he said.

The judge said the unit would cut time spent by prisoners in special observation cells — the use of which in the prison was strongly criticised by the inspector — and help reduce “self harm or potential suicide”.

An Irish Prison Service spokesman told the Irish Examiner they were “in the process” of establishing the unit.

He said certain aspects of the unit were “still at discussion stage” and could not give a start date.

He said the unit would provide a “structured physical environment” with increased observation by prison officers and support by healthcare staff.

It would cater for a range of inmates: Those who require mental health assessment, those who are in an acutely disturbed phase of a serious mental disorder, and people who require help with a physical illness. He said that while it would be a short-term intervention, there could be some inmates who might need a longer length of stay.

The Irish Penal Reform Trust welcomed plans for the unit and said use of safety observation cells should end. “Prison is a completely inappropriate environment for people with mental health issues or at risk of self harm,” said a spokeswoman.

“In this context, a vulnerable person unit goes some way towards addressing these serious issues.”