18th January 2012
Inspector of Prisons, Judge Michael Reilly, today released a report on Limerick prison describing conditions within the prison as “unhygienic and severely overcrowded”. Problems identified include low level intimidation by prison guards, filthy cells, broken windows and the continued practice of slopping out, usually in the presence of other prisoners.
Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Alan Shatter, has expressed shock and disappointment that deficiencies, previously identified in the prison, have still not been addressed adequately. According to the director general of the prison service, Michael Donnellen, an action plan has now been put in place to rectify the issues raised in the report.
Speaking to RTE about the report, which was published in a speedy fashion, IPRT’s Liam Herrick said “were seeing a positive movement that is very encouraging for the whole of the prison system” with recommendations being followed up and plans being put into place.
Read More:
• Irish Examiner: Penal Reform Trust pushes for changes in Limerick prison
• RTE: Limerick prison dirty and unhygienic – report
• Irish Times: Minister shocked by conditions in Limerick prison
Respect for rights in the penal system with prison as a last resort.