Sign in. It’s quick, free and it’s up to you.
An account is an optional way to support the work we do. Find out more.
THE CHIEF PRISON inspector has said that disturbing issues have arisen during an investigation into St Patrick’s Institution for youth offenders.
The inspector, Judge Michael Reilly, said he has not yet completed a “far reaching” inquiry into the institution begun last year, but that “certain disturbing issues” have already “come to light”.
Judge Reilly has made a series of visits to the prison, where male offenders between the ages of 16 and 21 are held. The Government has said it will completely abolish the practice of holding 16 and 17-year-olds there over the next two years.
Reilly’s comments are contained in his Annual Report, which was released today. The report also reiterates concerns about conditions at Limerick Prison, parts of which he said were “not fit for purpose” at the beginning of the year.
It also refers to an ongoing investigation of the case of a prisoner who died in custody on December 20 last year.
Responding to the report, Justice minister Alan Shatter said he had recently announced that all deaths in prison custody would now be subject to an independent investigation by the Office of the Inspector of Prisons.
“This is in addition and without prejudice to existing mechanisms in place for the investigation of deaths,” he said.
Shatter welcomed Reilly’s report, saying:
I would like to thank the Inspector for his efforts during 2011 in ensuring that obligations to prisoners are understood, that operating procedures are standardised and for his advice detailing best practice.
Reilly is due to submit a more detailed report shortly responding to the strategy statement recently released by the Irish Prison Service.
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
Let’s not forget the back round these children come from. Abuse, alcoholic patents drug abuse and in some cases child abuse. There not all lucky enough to have well to do parents who themselves have been educated well enough to know how to provide a stable home for there children and by well educated I don’t mean schooling. Right from wrong comes from level headed parenting. A frankly stupid comment pat
The terrible thing about this is that no one reading it is surprised. We all know st pats has been a condemned, inadequate and an unfunny joke for years now.
Disgraceful.
Apparently only half of the criminals have access to a playstation. Lets not forget that in order to get into Pats a youth had to have used up all his many chances with the juvenile diversion program as well as appear in court on enough charges to bypass fines, probation and suspended sentences.
Sean, my point is not on their level of degeneracy but that adequate services should be provided for them. Doesn’t matter what they’ve done, they need to be treated humanely in a decent environment.
Treat them like crap and guess how they’ll turn out.
My point Ferg is that people who have gone to Pats have already had massive amounts of money sunk into them. Even if you ignore the cost of their crimes, both financially and mentally, they have still had lots of money invested in them via the juvenile diversion program and probation services. If they still want to keep making people lives a misery then they pretty much deserve what they get.
Think of all the ‘disturbing issues’ the delinquent inmates left their victims with.
Prison is not a holiday camp. It is a punishment and should be a deterrent. St. Pats inmates do not get sent there for 1st, 2nd or 3rd offences. They’re there because they have committed endless offences and as usual the bleeding hearts pity them because of their up bringing. They are old enough to know right from wrong and are of an age of criminal responsibility. If they do wrong, they should be punished to teach the little swines some respect. Not much point in having them out roaming estates terrorising decent folk.
I notice they found the worse possible photo of pats they could with the hut in it. Prisoners have it handy enough and only 1 landing has play stations the drug free one no one else has them
It is funny how judge Riley is now inspector for prisons and he had no problem sending 16 year olds to St. Patrick’s plus people to limerick. From my experience of him he sent people with drug problems to jail and drug dealers where left off. Rant over:) prison doesn’t work for kids nor adults it actually makes 90% of prisoners worse! This country needs fresh ideas
I WOULD SAY IT’S PAR FOR THE COURSE.
ALL PRISONS ARE FAIRLY SIMILAR. BRUTALISING PLACES, RUN BY BRUTES.
NOT TO MENTION GARDA STATION “CUSTODY SUITES”
AS THE OLD ADAGE GOES. “POWER REDUCES EMPATHY”
have your say