McDowell: Tackle prison drug culture to reduce crime

The Minister for Justice has said he is not surprised by today’s report from the Penal Reform Trust that shows the rate of HIV and Hepatitus C infections among Irish prisoners is reaching epidemic proportions.

Michael McDowell said that there is a clear link between those diseases and drug abuse as well as a link between drug abuse and criminality.

He said that the most important thing is for those suffering to get treatment.

Mr McDowell said: "Unfortunately, it is fairly predictable that the rate of these diseases in prisons would be higher than among the general population.

"I am concerned and I want these people to receive the proper treatment and that we tackle the whole drug culture and the massively increased criminality," he said.