CONCERNS HAVE been raised over support given to elderly prisoners in a Dublin jail. Inspector of Prisons Judge Michael Reilly found some inmates with mobility and sight problems at Arbour Hill Prison near Heuston Station were not getting the help they needed.
“I have witnessed a blind man trying to take his daily exercise in the yard with no other aid than his white stick,” wrote Mr Reilly in an inspection report published yesterday.
“I witnessed another prisoner trying to get around his cell and the immediate space outside his door with a Zimmer frame. I have witnessed men with dementia and those that are incontinent.”
Mr Reilly added that these problems were exacerbated by a slight overcrowding in the medium security prison. As of December 2011, there were 148 prisoners at Arbour Hill, despite there being adequate room for only 131. In December 2010, 29 prisoners were over 60, with eight over 70.
“A significant number of this elderly group are no longer well enough to engage in the programmes available as outlined in this report,” Mr Reilly went on.
He said some of these health issues, which include trouble walking and cognitive problems, prevent inmates from getting on with their daily routine. “For many, managing daily tasks is only achieved with the assistance of fellow prisoners,” he added.
Mr Reilly said the Irish Prison Service is likely to announce plans to cap prison numbers at Arbour Hill at 131.
Despite his concerns, Mr Reilly gave an overall positive report, describing Arbour Hill as well-run and praising the help it gives to inmates working towards moving them back into society. – (PA)