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