merrion street

Justice Minister Alan Shatter today published  a report by the Inspector of Prisons, Judge Michael Reilly, of an inspection of Limerick Prison. The Minister also published the Inspector’s report of the first follow up inspection of the prison.

The initial report raises a number of serious issues relating to Limerick Prison including overcrowding and poor conditions which require to be addressed. Having inspected the prison previously, the Inspector states that he is still particularly concerned about Limerick Prison. These include a number of deficiencies which had previously been identified in relation to cleanliness, hygiene and slopping out, staffing, physical conditions and repairs that are still required. The Inspector has stated that these issues need to be addressed, new procedures must be put in place, and regime changes must occur.

Minister Shatter said 

I am particularly disappointed and indeed shocked that deficiencies previously identified by the Inspector were not addressed by prison management. Notwithstanding limited resources and difficult times generally, it is evident that some of those deficiencies can and should have been addressed. This is unacceptable and I asked the newly appointed Director General of the Irish Prison Service to take immediate steps to address the issues raised by the Inspector.

The Director General has put an Action Plan in place for Limerick Prison. The Action Plan sets specific objectives and timeframes for implementing the Inspector’s recommendations. 

The Minister is happy to note that a number of issues have already been addressed since the publication of the report. These include:-

• toilet patrols in place

• painting programme established

• cleaning programme established

• refurbishment and repairs to be undertaken and implemented within certain timeframes

• new arrangements to ensure the opening of the library

•  identification badges being worn by all staff since 1 December, 2011