Mandatory drug testing, the use of sniffer dogs and extra security on visits, will be introduced as part of a new policy aimed at eradicating drugs from Irish prisons.
Mandatory drug testing, the use of sniffer dogs and extra security on visits, will be introduced as part of a new policy aimed at eradicating drugs from Irish prisons. Minister for Justice Michael McDowell said the drug culture in prisons could not be tolerated as he launched the policy document entitled Keeping Drugs out of Prisontoday.
"Tolerating a culture of this kind within prisons in not an option," he said. "Drug abuse creates a culture of violence and intimidation, a culture extending beyond the prison walls into the neighbouring community and the families of inmates," he added.
Mr McDowell said: "The Irish Prison Service's firm aim in this policy is to eradicate any 'drug culture' in prisons, remove temptation of drug abuse for some prisoners, and end the cycle of abuse for others".
"For many it will finally spur them on to seek the treatment they need and that the appropriate range of treatment and rehabilitation services will be available to all prisoners who need them," he added.
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