Govt criticised for failure to abolish padded cells

The Penal Reform Trust has criticised the Government for reneging on its commitment to abolish padded cells in Irish prisons.

In a report launched today, the trust said the Government is planning to upgrade padded cells rather than close them down.

Spokeswoman Valerie Dresnihan said prisoners with mental illnesses should not be kept in padded cells or in solitary confinement, but should be held in special medical units where their needs can be met.

Justice Minister Michael Dowell later promised to abolish the use of padded cells by the end of his term of office.