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THERE ARE MEMBERS of 12 gangs currently behind bars in Irish prisons, with 18 different factions in Mountjoy alone.
Officers believe that it’s only a matter of time before the escalating gang warfare that is happening on the streets finds its way into prisons.
The Prison Officers’ Association discussed the issue at its annual conference in Athlone this week.
“We have already seen one instance where a leading gang figure was attacked and nearly savaged to death and three of our staff had to go in and rescue him,” POA president Stephen Delaney said.
Without the actions of the prison officers he would certainly have been killed.
Delaney is calling for the factions to be segregated as they are intimidating the other prisoners:
“It is operationally very difficult – there is no doubt about that, but we feel there is capacity among the prison state to cater for such individuals. It is vital these people are targeted and isolated for the protection of all within the prison.
Whether it is drugs, bullying or intimidation – the environment of the prison is affected by these gangland figures.
“These figures are very intelligent and clever people and many times they get other people to do their work.”
Ghettoising gangs
Director General of Irish Prison Service Michael Donnellan added:
“We have 12 gangs in our prison service which is made up of over 70 people in seven prison environments.
International studies show it’s not right to ghettoise gangs. It’s better to deal with them individually … because ghettoising of gangs causes radicalisation, causes a breakdown in law and order and causes no-go areas.
“So the kind of policy we are pursuing is absolutely the right policy and we know who they are – we are right on top of them. We are liaising with the gardaí weekly.”
Speaking about the 18 factions in Mountjoy alone, Donnellan said:
“In prison for the last 50 years and for the next 50 years – there will always be sub-groups. People will always gather together in subgroups in prison and there is always factions from localities, from different ethnic classes and for all sorts of issues.
We are now housing those gangs in prison and they are going to be with us for many a long day. So that’s the reality of the situation.
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If every person had half the compassion these people have…. Well done guys
Congrats to all concerned. Will somebody please tell Mr. Coveney to open his eyes and ears and acknowledge that there is a real crisis in the country around equines and their welfare?
You should need to have a permit to own these animals.
A great news story I’m sure for everyone concerned well done to the people concerned.
Comment of the week ^^^^
Why are the pounds charging so much to release the horses to a known welfare group, a nominal fee should be charged in these cases.
Because they are going back to travellers who just mistreat them again.
Why should equestrian people javr to follow such strict rules when travellers don’t?.
Make it to expensive for them on top of that send in dog warden as how many dogs have they micro chipped.
Travellers want you to pay for everything its not like they have done a days work ever
Think this is to make money and for the horse owner to obey the law.
Funny thou isn’t it how they always seem to have more than enough money for their gaudy n tacky christenings, wedding and funerals but not a penny wen it comes to looking after their animals! Disgusting
While the efforts of the group are to be highly commended. I am aghast at the pound for the levy charged to release these poor abused animals. Seem to me like more exploitation of the animals and also threatening to take their lives if the money was not forthcoming! This money could better be used to ensure the horses welfare.
What do you expect from the authorities when they treat people in much the same way
Well done, If I wasn’t so broke I would donate to the cause.
Coveney thinks that equine welfare isn’t at crisis point! He definitely has blinkers on!!
Thank goodness there are still good caring people in this selfish fecked up country of ours. Its a crying disgrace that this charity was charged anything for saving these horse and finding them good homes. But that is the public service mentality and the jobsworth who are employed by them. Petty bureaucrats with petty minds.
Charlies is probably the most knowledgeable and experienced rescue in Europe… once again they have stepped up to save precious lives. James Ahearne Murphy works day and night saving animals and rehabilitating those in most need..He is totally focused and has had many miracles in his rescue over the years. If any organisation deserves support, over and above, it is this one.
I have rarely encountered such a dedicated individual who never seeks the limelight, but works tirelessly to save animals’ lives.
Each horse has his own individual care-plan and a whatever it takes approach is the rule of the day. Others talk about it- Joseph and his dedicated team of volunteers actually walk the walk.
I highly encourage people to consider donating to Charlie’s- they are in a league of their own- true horse people.
Really this is crazy. The animals are better off being put down. So many animals is treacherous condition suffering in silence. Put the resources towards finding and helping these animals.
Simon says there is no equine crisis in Ireland! It’s completely unethical to be charging rescues to save these horses and completely unethical to cull healthy horses when there are people willing to help them. Wicklow county council killed 64 horses recently – almost all of them in good condition.
Well done to SIH for keeping these horses and ponies alive through the winter, and to Charlies Equine Rescue for stepping up at short notice to offer them a place of safety.
There are still costs associated with these 7 so even if you can only donate 1 euro please do so via payapl to charliesequinerescue@yahoo.ie.
I do understand the pound must be paid to be there for such situations. I can’t understand why the owners are not held to account, I have yet to see any report of any action taken by the authorities about the recent instances. Maybe Simon Coveney is not really “responsible”.
have your say