Bad move for Mountjoy prisoners
Mountjoy prison has been a part of the inner city community since 1850. It has been accessible for family and friends of those incarcerated within the walls.
This relocation goes against international research which has shown that the maintenance of family relationships is one of the greatest deterrents to re-offending behaviour among prisoners.
A move to an inaccessible location will make it more difficult for loved ones to keep in touch with inmates. This warehousing of prisoners marks a new low in the adoption of the Anglo-American model of imprisonment.
The closure of Mountjoy prison complex will also lead to the closure of schools in Mountjoy prison, the Dóchas Centre (women’s prison), the training unit, and St Patrick’s Institution.
This means an uncertain future for more than 50 teachers. Neither the Department of Justice nor the Department of Education consulted with the educational staff about the closure. They neglected to consider the interests of the teaching staff and especially what is needed to meet the educational welfare of our students.
In the interests of both teachers and students, we ask that the relevant authorities begin the long overdue process of consultation with all the stakeholders in the penal system about the proposed move. The location of the prison should be decided not in the interests of property speculators but in the best interests of the prisoners, their families and society.
Cormac Behan
Chairperson
Irish Prison Education Association
Mountjoy Education Centre
Mountjoy Prison
North Circular Road
Dublin 7
