The Minister for Justice, Equality and Defence Mr Alan Shatter T.D. today
announced publication of the most recent report on Mountjoy Prison by the
Inspector of Prisons Judge Michael Reilly which was presented to the
Minister on 24 March 2011.
The Inspector has reported a sea change for the better in many aspects of
the prison, particularly as regards cleanliness and hygiene. The Minister
would like to compliment the prison staff working in Mountjoy and
especially the new Governor Mr. Ned Whelan for the work done in improving
conditions in the prison and for implementing the recommendations of the
Inspector. "One of the first things I did on becoming Minister was to
visit Mountjoy prison. I was impressed by the commitment and level of
professionalism shown by the staff in the challenging environment of a
prison. Significant improvements can be achieved even in an old prison
such as Mountjoy with committed staff under good management. "
An issue of major concern raised in the report is that the management
response to allegations of excessive use of force by prison officers has
been less than satisfactory in the past. The Minister wants to make it
clear that a culture of impunity cannot be allowed to develop in our prison
system. Prison officers do a difficult job but abuse of their position is
not acceptable. The Inspector acknowledges that the Director General of the
Irish Prison Service has taken prompt action in addressing the issue of
serious complaints by prisoners. The Director General has now implemented
all the recommendations of the Inspector and of the enquiry team
established to look into the matter. This includes the necessity to keep
proper medical and other records. Within the next month the Minister
intends to place on a statutory footing new procedures for the
investigation of serious complaints by prisoners. This will include
provision for prison officers to wear identification.
Investigations are ongoing in relation to the specific cases referred to in
Paragraph 3.17 of the Report and it would not be appropriate to make any
comment on the details of the incidents.
The Inspector made a number of other recommendations all of which are being
pursued. As recommended, a value for money audit of the educational
services is underway. The Irish Prison Service are also examining options
to provide more treatment facilities and drug free units in the Mountjoy
complex and will continue to take vigorous measures to prevent drugs being
brought into Mountjoy.
A refurbishment project is also under way in the basement of the C–wing at
Mountjoy prison which will result in an additional 36 cells with in-cell
sanitation coming on stream by mid 2011. In addition, the Irish Prison
Service (IPS) recently awarded a contract to provide in-cell sanitation in
the remaining 74 cells on the same wing. Depending on the findings of a
post project appraisal, the IPS will consider installing in-cell sanitation
facilities in the remaining cells of that prison.
The Minister expressed his gratitude for the high standard of the
Inspector's reports, stressed the importance of the role of the Inspector
of Prisons and stated his intention to ensure early publication of all the
reports presented to him.
The Minister along with publishing Inspector of Prisons report on Mountjoy
also announced the establishment of a committee to review the Thornton Hall
Project in line with the commitment in the Government Programme for
National Recovery.
The Programme for Government states that “we will review the proposal to
build a new prison at Thornton Hall and consider alternatives, if any, to
avoid the costs yet to be incurred by the State in building such a new
prison.” The Minister announced that he has established a four person
committee to examine the need for new prison accommodation and to advise by
1 July 2011 whether work on the site at Thornton should proceed. The
Minister speaking on the formation of this new committee said “This review
will be expeditious and cost effective and I intend to publish this review
once it has been completed.”
The four persons are:
Brendan Murtagh - a partner in LHM Casey McGrath
Tom Cooney - Lecturer in Law UCD and now advisor to the Minister
Brian Purcell - Director General of the Irish Prison Service.
Catherine McGuinness – retired President of the Law Reform Commission
They bring a diverse range of experience to the process at minimum cost to
the taxpayer and will take into account a range of factors including those
identified by the Inspector of Prisons in his report on Mountjoy.
5th April 2011