Mountjoy riot latest symptom of ‘tinderbox’ prison overcrowding – Flanagan

Fine Gael National Press Office Press Statement
Leinster House Contact: Charlie Flanagan TD
Dublin 2 Feargal Purcell Justice
Ireland 01 6183379 / 087 4151750

Thursday 5th March 2009

Mountjoy riot latest symptom of ‘tinderbox' prison overcrowding -
Flanagan

65% rise in numbers in custody in 12 months

Today's (Thursday) attack on prison officers in Mountjoy Prison is the
latest symptom of chronic overcrowding in the State's prisons, according
to Fine Gael Justice Spokesman Charlie Flanagan TD.

"Any attack on prison officers is extremely serious and a terrifying
ordeal for the prison officers involved. However, the conditions in
prisons have created a tinderbox and it is sadly unsurprising that
violence has erupted.

"Mountjoy is now so overcrowded that a number of prisoners were recently
moved to Portlaoise Prison where they have been sleeping on the floors
of cells. These conditions are primitive and inhumane, but also
dangerous for prisoners and prison officers.

"The most recent figures available from the Department of Justice
revealed a 65% increase in numbers in custody. Yet the State still does
not have the facilities to house this number, with the Government forced
to make temporary provisions in places like Shelton Abbey and Loughan
House. As of last December, nine of the State's 15 institutions were
overcrowded, with Mountjoy over capacity by 88 inmates.*

"This problems stems from the Government's rash decision to close three
prisons before it had any alternative accommodation. Thirty nine million
euros has been spent on the new prison Thornton Hall to date, but work
has now been delayed for another 12 months. As well as overcrowding,
this crisis has seen the return of the revolving door in which prisoners
are released back on to the streets to make way for new arrivals.

"When the last riot in Mountjoy took place last July, legal experts
agreed it was a crisis waiting to happen. This has proven to be the case
yet again. In the eight months since that riot, Minister Ahern has
failed to take any action to prevent a similar incident occurring. This
is a damning indictment of his record in the Department of Justice."

Ends

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