Govt failing to deal with problem of drugs in prison: Report

The Government is failing to deal with the problem of drugs in Irish prisons, according to a report being published by a campaign group today.

The report by the Drug Policy Action Group says the problem is a serious as ever and may even be getting worse.

It says the Government's zero-tolerance approach to the issue is "unrealistic" and is actually undermining efforts to reduce drug-related harm.

The group says drugs are never more attractive and available than inside prisons and there is substantial evidence that some people begin drug use or graduate to harder drugs while incarcerated.

The DPAG says there has been significant improvement in medical services for drug-using prisoners, but other services inside and outside prisons remain "fragmented, underdeveloped and poorly resourced".