The 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 got under way before the High Court.
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 his action against the governor of Cloverhill Prison, the Minister for Justice Ireland 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 application began before Ms Justice Maureen Clark, who adjourned the case to today’s sitting of the court.
The State is opposing the proceedings and argues that Dundon has no arguable case.