Drugs and phones still being smuggled into Mountjoy

The Mountjoy visiting committee has reportedly found that drugs and mobile phones are still being smuggled into Dublin's Mountjoy Prison despite new searching measures.

Reports this morning say the committee has also warned that the prison is now so overcrowded that conditions have become "degrading".

It has reportedly warned Justice Minister Dermot Ahern that there is a gang culture developing in Irish prisons and overcrowding makes it difficult to keep rival gang members apart.