Massive overcrowding 'fuelling drug use and tensions' in prisons

Over 70% of inmates have an addiction problem. Picture: Dan Linehan

Ireland’s top prison chief has said that “massive overcrowding” in jails is “fuelling drug-taking”, adding to counselling waiting lists and destabilising security.

Caron McCaffrey said there is a “pipeline” from schools to prison in some disadvantaged communities and that society “needs to break” that supply line.