Madam, - Edward Boyne of the Irish Penal Reform Trust (August 16th) expects and demands a debate on the proposal "substantially to increase the number of prison places" by replacing Mountjoy and Cork prisons.
It is a pity, therefore, that the IPRT, an organisation which unapologetically agitates for rehabilitative, non-custodial sentences, has chosen to economise with the facts in relation to our "crisis-ridden criminal and penal system". Overcrowding is still a major problem in many of our prisons - sometimes three or four to a cell - causing the already lenient judiciary to hand down man sentences that are less than severe: concurrent; suspended; temporary; early release, etc.
Michael McDowell's main rationale for replacement prisons is the swiftly-expanding population of this State, which requires a commensurate increase in prison capacity. The fact that this proposed increase in prison capacity will lead to greater economies of scale, which should result in additional State resources for rehabilitative and restorative regimens and enable custodial sentences to be increased are all positive elements about which the IPRT will disengenuously remain silent. - Yours, etc.,
EOIN McMAHON, Northumberland Road, Dublin 4.
Madam, - Edward Boyne of the Irish Penal Reform Trust has misjudged the need for more prison places in this country. Ireland needs more prison places, especially for juveniles. While it may appear contradictory to increase the number of prison places as crime rates fall, that is not the case. For years we have had a shortage of prison spaces. The "revolving door" must be stopped.
I find it quite churlish that the IPRT will not congratulate the Minister on his plans to replace Mountjoy. Others talked; Mr McDowell delivered. - Yours, etc.,
JOHN KENNY, Moran's Cottages, Ranelagh, Dublin 6.