Mental health of Irish prisoners abroad worsened by Covid-19

People locked up overseas endure issues from long lockdowns to worry about the welfare of their loved ones at home

The new research was conducted by the Irish Council for Prisoners Overseas, which is in contact with more than 90% of the total estimated number of Irish people locked up abroad. 

Mental health difficulties of prisoners are “exacerbated” when they are locked up abroad, and they have been compounded by Covid-19 restrictions, including 23-hour lockdowns and lack of visits, a new survey shows.

A support body run by Catholic bishops says it is in regular contact with around 1,100 Irish citizens in 30 countries around the world — over 90% of the total estimated number of Irish people locked up abroad.