Why jails should allow syringes

I APPRECIATE Patrick Jordan’s concerns for the health and safety of prison officers (‘Ahern puts the needle into fight against drugs’, Irish Examiner letters, Sept 21).

However, the evidence shows that opposing prison syringe exchange programmes only perpetuates the type of dangerous work environment he wants to end.

Syringe exchange programmes are currently operating in over 50 prisons in six countries (men’s and women’s prisons of all sizes and security levels).