Phone seizures highlighted by TD

A TOTAL of 96 mobile phones were seized from Irish prisons in the first six weeks of 2015.

In 2013 and 2014, the total figures were 805 and 728 respectively.

In Mountjoy Prison (male section) alone, 238 mobile phones were seized in 2013 and 223 in 2014, and 45 so far this year.

Dublin Bay North TD Tommy Broughan (Ind) received the figures from Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald.

“Under the 2007 Prisons Act it is an offence to be in possession of a mobile phone while imprisoned,

? said Deputy Broughan.

“There are concerns that some of these phones may be used (by prisoners) to direct further criminal activity while incarcerated.

“Of course, many of the persons in prison would be using the mobiles to keep in contact with their families and loved ones.

“It is a very traumatising experience for children visiting a parent in prison and perhaps the Irish Prison Service might look at improving family access and the impact of imprisonment on children.

?

Deputy Broughan said the Irish Penal Reform Trust has produced a number of studies on the rights and needs of children and families of prisoners.

“I think it is important for us to look at the issue of mobile phones and communication in prison as a whole rather than in isolation as a serious breach of prison rules,

? he added.

“I welcome Minister Fitzgerald’s plans to start seriously tackling this issue.

?