asked the Minister for Justice, in view of the critical situation obtaining in St. Patrick's Institution, where a serious outbreak of rioting has taken place and in respect of which a spokesman for the prison officers has said that things are at breaking point, if he will make an immediate statement on the matter.
Private Notice Question. - St. Patrick's Institution.
The immediate trouble started around tea-time when a group of inmates attacked a number of prison officers. The staff brought the situation under control and all the inmates were locked in their cells. Because of the tension, staff were not prepared to unlock the inmates for evening recreation, which is normally from 5.30 p.m. to 7.30 p.m. Around 6.00 p.m. the inmates commenced banging on their cell doors and shouting abuse at the staff. Around 7.00 p.m. a number of the inmates set fire to their mattresses. It was decided that all furniture and effects would have to be removed from cells to prevent further burning, damage and possible barricading. Apart from the destruction, there was the serious risk that inmates might suffocate in the fumes from the fires started by themselves.
About 50 extra staff were drafted in from neighbouring Mountjoy and Arbour Hill prisons. Garda assistance was also sought as a standby. The job of clearing out the cells was completed in two hours.
During the course of the disturbance 26 officers and 22 inmates were injured. The medical officer was in attendance. No inmate required hospital treatment but one has been recommended for X-ray by the medical officer. Eleven prison officers received treatment in the Mater Hospital.
The possibility of major disturbances or riots is always present in closed institutions. This is recognised the world over. St. Patrick's Institution has been coping with high numbers and a tougher element for some time and there have been some assaults on prison officers. The visiting committee have recommended today, in accordance with section 7 of the Prevention of Crime Act, 1908, the transfer of ten named offenders from St. Patrick's to Mountjoy Prison.
The Prison Officers' Association and officials of my Department have been having discussions for some time about some of the problems of St. Patrick's and about possible ways of dealing with them.
The discussions are continuing. The problems are complex and it would not serve any useful purpose for me to go into details.
Does the Minister consider that there is considerable frustration and a very highly charged atmosphere in this institution? Does he consider that this has existed for some time?
Tension always exists in an institution like this. There is tension in St. Patrick's Institution, as there is in other prisons. It is a fact of everyday prison life.
Is the Minister aware that certain reforms were suggested in the reports of the visiting committee in recent years? Will he tell the House if these reforms have been implemented?
The Deputy is probably aware that a question on this subject by another Deputy is on the Order Paper. It does not include this question today.
Is it not related to it?
No.
Does the Minister not agree that it contributes to the situation?
I should like to assure the Deputy that if it had any bearing on the subject it would be covered in the discussions that are going on at present.