Shared cells at new jail ‘contravene EU rules’

The doubling-up of cells in the new multi-million euro Cork prison will contravene international and European rules, according to a social justice group.

Putting two inmates into most cells in Cork also contrasts with the refurbishment of Dublin’s Mountjoy, where all cells will be for one inmate.

The Jesuit Centre for Faith and Justice said the level of doubling up — currently running at 56% across the prison system — was an even more serious issue given the lack of assessment of inmates on committal as to the risk they pose to others.