Due to record levels of congestion, Minister for Justice Helen McEntee was informed that jails could not safely handle a sudden increase in the number of inmates after “widespread public disorder,” reports RTE.
The minister was cautioned that the system would become even more overburdened as a result of the appointment of additional judges and more court sessions.
According to a government filing, “Operating above capacity has become an unwanted standard in 2023 and into 2024,” citing high numbers of persons in detention, reports RTE.
“This has considerable negative impact on safety and the functioning of the prisons, but it should also be noted that the Irish prison estate currently has no space to safely accommodate any sudden surge in its population,” reports RTE.
It stated that public unrest, like the massive rioting and looting that occurred in Dublin last year, or heightened judicial activity might cause this kind of “surge.”
During another briefing, Ms. McEntee was informed that hazardous acts and circumstances in jails were caused by the irresponsible behaviour of a tiny number of prison workers, reports RTE.
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Ms. McEntee was informed that efforts were underway to address “unethical, and in some cases, unlawful behaviour” by staff members.
According to one briefing, jail administration has implemented improved oversight and suitable assistance for employees with “declared issues”, reports RTE.
This year, Ireland’s deteriorating jail system—which often operates at over 100% capacity—has been the subject of many briefings for the Minister of Justice.
According to a paper released earlier this year, the prison service believes that the population shouldn’t exceed 95% of the facility’s entire capacity. Exceeding threshold puts both personnel and inmates’ safety at danger.
The briefing said: “The policy is centred on prison officer grades initially as this is where the greatest potential risk is and covers the vast majority of Irish Prison Service employees,” reports RTE.
Additionally, the letter said that some prisons were using modular modules and that “delivery times are much quicker than traditional build methods.”
The reopening of the Curragh had made some headway, according to another report, but “extensive works” would be needed, adding just sixty more spots, reports RTE.
A Department of Justice spokesperson responded to questions on the documents, which were made public under FOI, by stating that substantial capital funds had been made available to create more jail places.
He stated: “The Irish Prison Service and the Department of Justice are still working together to advance plans to introduce on-stream housing for more than 1,100 inmates between 2024 and 2030,” reports RTE.
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