Pubdate: Fri, 26 Jan 2007
Source: Limerick Post (Ireland)
Copyright: 2007 Limerick Post Newspapers
Contact:  http://www2.limerickpost.ie/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3473
Author: Mary Earls
Note:  Article truncated as printed on webpage.

GANGLAND ILLEGAL DRUG WAR RAGES IN LIMERICK PRISON

THE major problem of illegal drugs being smuggled into Limerick 
prison is leading to gangland feuds, resulting in prisoners being 
placed on protection for their own safety, a report by the Inspector 
of Prisons has revealed.

Carried out by Mr Justice Dermot Kinlen, the report states that the 
various ways and means that prisoners use to obtain the drugs is 
"incredible". And it is "an ongoing concern" despite measures to 
reduce drug trafficking such as installing CCTV cameras in visiting 
rooms and erecting netting over exercise yards to stop members of the 
public throwing drugs over the wall.

"The illegal drug problem is causing disciplinary concerns as it 
leads to gangs, gangland-type feuds, harassment, intimidation, crime 
bosses, etc., resulting in prisoners being placed on protection and 
in segregation which is affecting the whole regime of the prison," 
said Mr Kinlen.

A shortage of prison guards was also putting staff at risk and 
compromising their safety, according to the report. It stated that 
the annualised hours system which was brought in to combat prison's 
spiralling overtime costs was"not working properly".

"The annualised hours were introduced into the prison last January 
and they are not working satisfactorily as there are staffing level 
problems. There is an increase in the number of staff taking sick 
leave. It appears from enquiries that because staff have great 
difficulties in getting time off, they now take sick leave instead," 
said Mr Kinlen.

Staff shortages was also affecting prisoners who complained of their 
services being cut or curtailed as a result of this.

In general,the report said that the Mulgrave Street Prison was "well 
run," but Mr Kinlen criticised the practice of slopping out, which 
still takes place in two jail wings.

Calling it "degrading for everyone involved," Mr Kinlen recommended 
that these last two wings (A
- ---
MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman