Fitzgerald publishes reports by Irish prison visiting committees

Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald has published the reports of the fourteen prison visiting committees, which visit Irish prisons to hear prisoners’ complaints.

Ms Fitzgerald said she was “pleased to note the general praise for management and staff of the prisons which is testament to the good work carried out by them on a daily basis”.

The reports have flagged up some concerns around the deployment of staff resources to prisoners who wish to engage in structured activities, and around Internet access restrictions.

The Irish Penal Reform Trust (IPRT) said the report by the Cloverhill Prison visiting committee - the first published on this prison in some years - raises a number of serious concerns, including concerns relating to healthcare provision and prisoner safety in yards.

However, Ms Fitzgerald said they were “positive reports” on balance.

Ms Fitzgerald said the Irish Prison Service is piloting an alternative regime management plan in one prison that would prioritise the deployment of staff resources to prisoners who wish to engage in structured activities.

She also said the Irish Prison Service is working to ensure that access to essential course materials is not adversely affected.

In response to comments around homelessness for offenders on release, Ms Fitzgerald said: “The Irish Prison Service has been actively working through the Regional Homeless Consultative Fora as well as working directly with the Departments of Environment and Social Protection to provide an appropriate in-reach service to ensure that prisoners are assisted to find accommodation before release.”

Ms Fitzgerald also drew attention to the proposed development at Limerick prison, which will see the replacement of both the A & B Wings with a new modern cell block designed to meet international standards and will end the practice of slopping out in Limerick Prison.

The development will also include a new accommodation block for female prisoners with 50 rooms and 8 family friendly apartments.

Ms Fitzgerald said: “This represents a very significant investment in the justice sector in Limerick and when completed will provide a very high standard of accommodation for both prisoners and staff in Limerick Prison. It is intended to tender for the main development later this year.

“This very significant development at Limerick Prison, coupled with the opening of the new Cork Prison in January 2016 and the completion of the refurbishment of Mountjoy Prison will radically improve the prison estate and consign the practice of slopping out to history.

“In addition, planning is underway for a development at Portlaoise Prison that will bring slopping out to an end there.”