The High Court challenge by Limerick criminal Wayne Dundon against a decision by the authorities at Cloverhill prison in Dublin to isolate him from the mainstream prison population has been adjourned.
In his action Dundon claims he is denied access to prison educational and training facilities and that he has restrictions placed on family visits. He says his segregation is a breach of his rights.
In proceedings against the governor of Cloverhill Prison, the Minister for Justice and the Attorney General, Dundon is seeking orders including one that he be transferred out of the block in which he is confined to an ordinary block within the mainstream prison. He also wants to take part in structured activities for not less than five hours a day, five days a week.
Alternatively, he is seeking a transfer out of Cloverhill into an ordinary block of another prison. The State is opposing the proceedings and argues that Dundon has no arguable case.
The application was before Ms Justice Maureen Clark, who agreed to a request from lawyers involved in the action to adjourn the hearing to a date next week for mention only. The matter will be mentioned before the Judge on Monday.
Padraig Dwyer SC told the court the matter could be adjourned due to ongoing talks between the authorities and lawyers acting for his client.
The court was informed that since launching his High Court action Dundon had received one contact visit from his family, and had been informed by the governor that Dundon was being segregated for his own protection.
However counsel said his client does not accept the governor's reason for keeping him away from the mainstream prison population.