‘Blanket ban’ on mobile phones in prisons

The Prison Service has introduced a “blanket ban” on all mobile phones in prisons, including those used by prison governors.

The directive, effective since last Monday, is the latest attempt in an ongoing battle to stem the flow of phones into jails.

The order, introduced by director general Michael Donnellan, means that “absolutely no one” can bring a phone into closed prisons.

This includes the justice minister, the inspector of prisons, and gardaí. The new rule also involves construction workers and tradesmen.

The only jails exempt are the open prisons of Loughan House and Shelton Abbey, which are for low-security inmates.

“This is drawing a line in the sand: absolutely no one can have a mobile phone in prisons,” said one prison source.

“It means that there can be no question of phones getting in, unless they are being smuggled in. It’s a blanket ban.”

The use of mobile phones was highlighted during the recent trial of convicted murderer and gang boss Brian Rattigan, who orchestrated a heroin dealing operation from his cell in Portlaoise in 2008.

As recently as last week, concerns were raised in the Dáil regarding reports that a convicted killer had use of a mobile in prison.

Fine Gael TD Billy Timmins said the report caused great upset to the victim’s family and called on Justice Minister Alan Shatter to act.

Mr Shatter said the killer’s cell was searched and no phone was found.

He said dedicated operational support units targeted contraband and that all closed prisons had airport-style walk through detectors at entrances as well as X-ray scanners for baggage.

“It is quite extraordinary that on an ongoing basis criminals have access to mobile phones to make outside communications,” said Mr Timmins.

“It is important that it is stamped out. I welcome the banning of mobile phones in prisons. How-ever, it may necessitate some blocking devices in prisons.”

Recent figures show mobile phones continue to be smuggled into jails, albeit at a lower rate. There were 1,368 mobiles seized in 2011, down from 1,718 in 2010 and 2,174 in 2009. Some 885 phones were seized up to Sept 23, 2012.

Mobile phone blocking technology was tested in the Midlands and Portlaoise, as well as Mountjoy, but has not worked.

A Prison Service spokes- man said: “The current situation is that blocking mobile phone use in any location is problematic. Mobile phone technology is constantly evolving and for that reason alone, technologies to prevent phones from operating in prisons are also only evolving.

“It is because of that state of flux that the Irish Prison Service is exploring a variety of technologies.

“However, to date the pilot project has not been as successful as the Irish Prison Service had hoped.”