The Irish Penal Reform Trust (IPRT) has highlighted overcrowding as a critical factor worsening the drug crisis in Irish prisons following a significant incident at Portlaoise Prison, where 11 were hospitalized for suspected drug overdoses.
This event occurred just three weeks after the Irish Prison Service (IPS) issued an urgent drug alert across all facilities due to the presence of netzine, a potent synthetic opioid linked to fatal overdoses.
The incident unfolded yesterday afternoon when several prisoners at Portlaoise Prison showed signs of overdose.
As the situation escalated, 11 inmates were transferred to the Midlands Regional Hospital in Portlaoise.
Among them, three are currently in intensive care, while the other eight are reported to be in stable condition.
In a statement, the IPS reaffirmed its commitment to preventing the entry of contraband, including drugs, into prisons. Temphasized emphasized its increased use of random and intelligence-led cell searches and noted the role of the Canine Unit in inspecting deliveries and other areas within the prison system.
The IPS also highlighted its ongoing cooperation with An Garda Síochána, stating that shared intelligence has led to targeted searches and the seizure of contraband items.
To prepare for potential drug-related incidents, the IPS has also secured additional naloxone kits, a medication used to reverse the effects of opioid overdoses temporarily.
Saoirse Brady, Executive Director of the IPRT, pointed to overcrowding as a significant contributor to the worsening drug problem in prisons.
Speaking on RTÉ’s Morning Ireland, Brady noted that the prison system was operating at 112% capacity, with Portlaoise Prison at 107% capemphasized emphasized that many prisoners enter the system with existing addictions and often do not receive the necessary support for substance misuse during their incarceration.
Brady called for a health-centered approach to addressing substance misuse in prisons, similar to strategies used in the community, while still considering the security needs of the prison environment. She argued that a zero-tolerance policy on drug use in prisons is not always effective and that a more balanced approach is needed.
The Irish Prison Officers’ Association (POA) shared similar concerns about the Portlaoise incident, stating that it was “somewhat inevitable” due to ongoing issues related to drugs in the prison system.
Gabriel Keavney, Deputy General Secretary of the POA, mentioned that the association had raised concerns about overcrowding and drug smuggling at annual conferences.
However, according to Keavney, authorities have not adequately addressed these issues.
Keavney urged the Minister for Justice and prison authorities to view the incident at Portlaoise as a direct consequence of years of inaction, warning that if these chronic issues are not resolved, the prison system could face even more significant crises shortly.
Despite the efforts of prison staff, Keavney noted that the lack of decisive action from higher authorities has left the system vulnerable to such incidents, underscoring the need for comprehensive reforms.
