A problem of illegal drugs being smuggled in or thrown over the boundary wall in Wheatfield Prison, has been highlighted in a report on the largest of three prisons inspected last year.
Reports on Wheatfield in Clondalkin Dublin, Loughan House, Co Cavan and Fort Mitchel, Spike Island, Cork Harbour were published by the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Mr McDowell. Although the reports by the Inspector of Prisons and Places of Detention, Mr Justice Kinlen, concluded the prisons were generally well run, areas of concern were highlighted, such as the problem of illegal drugs getting into Wheatfield Prison.
"Some are being thrown over the boundary wall with such force that they are landing in the middle of the exercise yards," the report stated.
The area outside the wall did not come under the control of the prison service and it was suggested discussions could take place with the local gardaí to try to solve the problem.
Wheatfield had a capacity for 320 prisoners but, because of overcrowding, had 378 prisoners at the time of the visit in June/July.
The report stated that prisoners were regularly found to have received drugs while on visits. Drugs and alcohol were also smuggled into the prison in many different ways. Action was being taken by the staff to try to control the practice.
There was only one psychiatrist and one psychologist available and the psychology service was inadequate, the report stated. The prison had two drug-free units and there was a demand for at least another one or two.
The staff worked an average of 11 hours overtime per person per week and the daily average on sick leave was 18, the report stated. Also, the number of staff-support officers should be increased immediately.
The inspector was concerned at such a high number of prisoners being placed in strip or padded cells, the report stated.
At Fort Mitchel Prison, for 102 prisoners, the report recommended the building of a bridge from the mainland to Spike Island, an increase in the number of prisoners and development of facilities needed to bring about the expansion.
"It would be sad if this prison with its huge potential for expansion at reasonable expense were to be permanently closed. Prisons need open spaces, particularly when dealing with young people. It is appalling to keep youths in cells for an average of 16 hours per day without adequate recreational facilities," the report stated.
On Loughan House, an open prison with 85 prisoners, the report stated that suitable psychiatric services should be put in place immediately. It was a centre with great potential but was not being fully utilised. However, it should not be a place where people were sent again and again. It should be regarded as a reward in the prison system. A structured training, work and educational programme was needed for those detained there.