Prison cuts not the way to fight criminals

YOUR editorial headlined ‘Government losing fight against crime’ (Irish Examiner, Nov 28) hits the nail on the head when you state that the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Michael McDowell, is more concerned with cutting costs that putting extra resources into fighting crime.

When the gardaí bring criminals to justice it is vitally important that there are sufficient prison places available to contain those who terrorise, maim and murder.

Last year, following the tragic deaths of gardaí Tighe and Padden in Dublin, and the outcry at the lack of secure places of detention for juveniles, a decision was made to designate part of St Patrick’s Institution for this purpose.

Eighteen months and €9 million later, St Patrick’s still has 44 fewer cells, and the new facility remains unused (mind you, the Government did intend to use it for bin protesters).

Last December, the minister closed Shanganagh Castle, with the loss to the system of a further 60 juvenile spaces.

And in January, he plans to mothball Fort Mitchell and The Curragh prisons. The reason, as you rightly remark, is to cut costs.

As regards the concept of providing spaces for criminals who have no regard for the rights, or indeed the lives, of citizens, I leave it you to draw your own conclusions.

Patrick Jordan,

St Patrick`’s Institution,

North Circular Road,

Dublin 7.