OVERCROWDING AND sanitary conditions in Mountjoy Prison in Dublin are at an unacceptable level, according to a report published yesterday.
An independent visiting committee said drug abuse and staff absenteeism was a major problem in the prison and its buildings were unsuitable for the detention of inmates.
In its 2007 annual report on Mountjoy and Dóchas, which houses female prisoners, the committee said while improvements continued to be made to both the toilet areas and cells, the benefits were often negated by the necessity to double up in cells due to overcrowding. “This occurs far too often,” it said.
“In December numbers exceeded 570 – we noted a level of 515 in our last report. Whilst A wing has been recommissioned since our last report, we find these levels unacceptable and contribute to a tense atmosphere within the prison.
“In 2007 for human beings to still be without adequate sanitary facilities in their cells – the same cells that they eat and sleep in – is totally unacceptable.
“It is very important for all concerned to remember that the person is detained to deprive them of their freedom for the duration of their sentence, not for further punishment.” Mountjoy has an average bed capacity of 105.5 per cent, the highest of any prison in the jurisdiction.
The committee urged Minister for Justice Dermot Ahern to find more appropriate accommodation for illegal non-Irish nationals who, in some cases, can be held at the prisons for up to eight weeks.
It also raised concerns over the huge numbers of inmates jailed for not paying fines and debts when prisons are overcrowded.
Problems associated with staff sick days had been exacerbated by new work practices introduced in 2006, the committee found. – (PA)