Senator says spotlight on Portlaoise must expose overcrowding and pressure facing prison officers

A Laois based Senator says the arrival of Daniel Kinahan in Laois should also shine the national spotlight on overcrowding at Portlaoise Prison.

Alleged crime boss Daniel Kinahan’s arrest resulted in much media interest in Portlaoise Prison and the conditions therein when he arrived there on Sunday.

Sinn Féin Senator Maria McCormack has said the national spotlight on Portlaoise Prison following the high-profile arrival of Daniel Kinahan must also focus attention on serious overcrowding, safety concerns and the increasing pressure being placed on prison officers.

She explained that the arrival of Daniel Kinahan to Portlaoise Prison following a major high-security operation had understandably brought significant national attention to Portlaoise.

“But behind the headlines is a much bigger issue that those working within our prison system have been warning about for some time – serious overcrowding and the enormous pressure being placed on prison officers,” said Sen McCormack.

“Portlaoise is Ireland’s only maximum-security prison and has a unique role within our national prison system. The officers working there are responsible for managing some of the highest-risk prisoners in the State, often in exceptionally challenging circumstances.”

Portlaoise Prison isn’t the only prison in Laois that is overcrowded. Figures from the Irish Prison Service reveal the larger Midlands Prison is also severely overcrowded and is operating at 124% capacity today.

“Portlaoise Prison has an operational capacity of 226, yet it has been operating significantly above capacity. The Irish Prison Service has itself identified overcrowding as the single greatest risk to the safe and effective operation of our prison system.

“This is not simply about numbers or finding additional spaces for prisoners. Overcrowding has consequences for safety and security, the management of violence and drugs within prisons, access to rehabilitation and services, and ultimately the working conditions of our prison officers,” said Sen McCormack.

Sen McCormack explained that the issue has been developing nationally with prison officers having to deal with increasingly difficult work environments.

“Nationally, 132 assaults on Irish Prison Service staff were recorded last year. These are men and women going to work every day to perform an incredibly difficult and often dangerous public service. They deserve to know that everything possible is being done to protect their safety.

“My Sinn Féin colleague and Justice spokesperson Matt Carthy TD has repeatedly raised concerns about overcrowding and the enormous pressures facing our prison system.

“The Government cannot allow overcrowding to simply become normalised. Increasing prisoner numbers, alongside the complexity and security requirements associated with high-risk prisoners, inevitably puts further pressure on frontline staff.

“We need adequate staffing levels, appropriate prison capacity and continued investment in tackling violence and drugs, alongside proper rehabilitation, healthcare and mental health services within our prisons,” said Sen McCormack.

“As a Portlaoise representative, I know the important role the prison and its staff have played in this town for generations. Many local families have members who work or have worked within the prison service.

“The national spotlight is firmly on Portlaoise Prison this week. That spotlight must also shine on the men and women working behind those walls and on the serious pressures they have been warning about.”

In conclusion, Sen McCormack said “Portlaoise is Ireland’s only maximum-security prison. The people tasked with keeping it safe must be given the staffing, resources and working conditions they need to do their jobs safely.”