Prison reports highlight overcrowding, violence and drugs issues

Serious overcrowding, violence and cuts in resources have impacted on inmates in the prison system, according to the Visiting Committee.

Reports on eight prisons highlight many examples of good or improving practice in some of the toughest jails, but also persistent or growing problems, often involving drugs and violence.

Some of the most serious issues were reported in the Dochas women’s prison and in St Patrick’s Institution.