TD likely to get private cell, no sanitation

Mr Liam Lawlor is likely to spend his time in the 150-yearold Mountjoy Prison in a cell without sanitation or even power-plug…

Mr Liam Lawlor is likely to spend his time in the 150-yearold Mountjoy Prison in a cell without sanitation or even power-plug sockets.

The prison will accommodate reasonable requests should he wish to have visits from his lawyers or to speak to them by phone. "Access to lawyers for every prisoner is flexible, obviously within reason," said the prison's governor, Mr John Lonergan, who would not comment specifically on Mr Lawlor's case.

Upon entering the jail, prisoners report to a reception area where possessions are itemised and stored. Personal information, including next of kin, is detailed.

Prisoners are then searched and required to shower. A note is taken of distinguishing physical attributes such as tattoos, height, weight and hair colour.

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Mr Lawlor can chose either to bring three changes of clothing with him, or instead to accept prison issue - which includes underwear, trainers, socks, jeans which are made in the jail, and a jumper.

Some prisoners are then photographed and fingerprinted, although Mr Lawlor is unlikely to be subjected to this due to the nature of his offence.

Before being led to his cell, which is likely to be in the main prison, Mr Lawlor will be issued with bedding, towels and toiletries. If he doesn't like shaving with prison-issue soap, he can buy shaving foam and other toiletries in the tuck shop. He will be supplied with disposable razors.

Mr Lawlor is likely to have a cell to himself, as the notorious overcrowding in the prison has eased somewhat with the opening of new institutions in Portlaoise and west Dublin. He is likely to be accommodated in D wing.

If he wishes to follow the latest news on the tribunals from behind bars, he can arrange to pay for newspapers to be delivered or read them in the prison library. He can watch television during the few hours of recreation allowed per day or listen to his own radio in his cell. Because there are no plug sockets in the cells, he will have to stock up on batteries.

Mr Lawlor will eat his three daily meals while locked in his cell because the prison does not have communal dining facilities for its 550 prisoners.

Mr Lawlor's day will begin at 8.15 a.m. when his cell will be unlocked. He will slop and shower out before breakfast. That meal, like all meals, will be served at the end of his wing and Mr Lawlor will return with his food to his cell where he will be locked in while eating until 9.15 a.m. He will also be locked up for dinner between 12.45 p.m. and 2.15 p.m. and for tea from 4.45 p.m. to 5.15 p.m.

After breakfast and lunch, prisoners carry out chores in the kitchens or bakery or attend training. Prisoners who do not work do not earn remission. After tea, prisoners have about two hours for recreation when they can use the gym, walk in the exercise yard or play pool.

Mr Lawlor will then return to his cell with tea and a bun for the nightly lock-up at 7.30 p.m. Visitors are allowed between 10 a.m. and noon and 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. and Mr Lawlor can have one visit per day. Mobile phones are not allowed.