For decades, prison chaplains issued official reports complaining the system was being used as “a dumping ground” for individuals with psychiatric illnesses. Then, at a time when the prison system was grossly overcrowded and money was in short supply, the decision was taken to close or to refurbish 14 psychiatric institutions within the health system. So, the Department of Justice took pre-emptive action and ruled that the offending reports would not be published. The prison section that caters for people with mental illness is currently overcrowded and prisoners are required to sleep on the floor. Critical reports were also sent from Midlands and Wheatfield prisons concerning inadequate care for mentally unwell inmates.

Source: The Irish Times July 18, 2019 22:52 UTC