Children have been intercepted trying to bring drugs to inmates in Limerick Prison. Twelve incidents of confiscation of drugs took place at the prison recently.
The situation was highlighted yesterday when a senior prison official responded to claims by new Limerick alderman, Mr Michael Kelly, that the authorities had "brought in a new regime where children visiting their parents were not even allowed to give a hug to their dad".
He said up to a few weeks ago, a parent in prison could hold small children, according to a letter which had been signed by 100 prisoners in Limerick who had approached Mr Kelly for his help.
Mr Kelly, who had served a term of imprisonment before his decision to "turn over a new leaf", said the prisoners had told him family visits were frustrating and intolerable and unfair pressure was being put on marriage relationships by the new rules.
A spokesman for the prison said only those who had been intercepted passing drugs to prisoners were being searched and subjected to the new restrictions. "People caught in the past are now screened closely and not allowed to make contact for at least six months," the spokesman said.