Overcrowded jails unable to deal with surge in prisoners following 'widespread pubic disorder', minister is told

Justice Minister Helen McEntee emphasized the urgent need for a new system of targeted drug testing for identified prison staff, highlighting not only public safety but also prison capacity concerns due to overcrowding. There is a significant risk that a sudden increase in prisoners, stemming from widespread public disorder, could compromise the operational standards within jails. This testing initiative aims to proactively address these issues before incarceration levels escalate.

The warnings from officials indicate that the prison system is already stretched to its limits. The Justice Minister noted the potential consequences of appointing extra judges and increasing court sittings—compounding the pre-existing problems within the justice system. Without careful management, this could lead to a backlog that further destabilizes an already fragile environment in prisons, particularly as they struggle with overcrowding.

Read at Irish Independent