Prison Hep C and HIV infection reaches 'epidemic'

HIV and Hepatitis C infection has reached epidemic levels in Irish prisons, according to a report published today by the Merchant’s Quay Project and the Irish Penal Reform Trust.

The report found that the rate of HIV infection among Irish prisoners is 10 times that of the general population, while the rate of Hepatitis C infection is 100 times higher.

The Merchant’s Quay project said these prisoners are denied access to basic HIV and Hepatitis C prevention measures and it called on the Government to ensure that they receive the same standard of treatment as any other Irish citizen.