Concern for elderly prisoners

CONCERNS have been raised for elderly prisoners behind bars in Arbour Hill.

In a report published last week, Inspector of Prisons Judge Michael Reilly highlighted his concerns for prisoners over the age of 60, a number of whom have

“ongoing health issues which impact on their daily lives

?.

“These issues range from mobility impairment to cognitive deficits and incontinence,

? Judge Reilly stated.

“For many, managing their daily tasks is only achieved with the assistance of fellow prisoners.

“Their difficulties are exacerbated by overcrowding in the prison.

?

According to the prison inspector, a significant number of elderly prisoners are no longer well enough to engage in the rehabilitation programmes available in the prison.

“I have witnessed a blind man trying to take his daily exercise in the yard with no other aid than his white stick,

? Judge Reilly stated in his report.

“I have witnessed another prisoner trying to get around his cell and the immediate space outside his door on the landing with a Zimmer frame.

“I have witnessed men with dementia and those that are incontinent.

?

Judge Reilly added that the prison is caring for these particular prisoners as well as it can. Ultimately, however, he said Arbour Hill as a medium secure prison and is not the ideal facility for them.

“The prison and outside agencies give instruction and practical help to prisoners with sight or mobility problems, which greatly assists such prisoners in their daily lives,

? the Judge stated

“The management of such prisoners requires different skills, resources and regimes than those found in a medium secure prison such as Arbour Hill. It is a policy matter for others to decide how best to accommodate such prisoners so that their needs are met in an appropriately secure setting.

?

Overall Arbour Hill fared well in the report in which it was described as a well-run facility that promotes an ethos of constructive support. However, overcrowding remains an issue.

The Prison Inspector recommends that a date be set for the capping of the prison’s capacity to 131.

Minister for Justice Alan Shatter praised the staff at Arbour Hill for their

“continued good work

?.

“Arbour Hill Prison is a good example of how things should be done,

? the Minister stated.

“I am particularly pleased to note that it is a well run prison which is to the credit of everyone involved.

“While the Inspector of Prisons highlights that there are some issues in relation to overcrowding and the detention of elderly prisoners, it is evident from his report that prisoners in Arbour Hill are engaged in structured activity and that programmes are in place to aid their reintegration into society on their release.

?

The Minister also announced that specific action would be taken to address the concerns raised in the Arbour Prison report, particularly the concerns about elderly prisoners.

“I am pleased to announce that following on from the Inspector’s report, the Irish Prison Service has prepared an action plan for the implementation of the recommendations contained in the report,

? Minister Shatter stated.

“In particular, as part of the Irish Prison Service Strategic Plan 2012-2014, it is intended to introduce a specific strategy for older prisoners.

?