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REPORT ON VISIT TO LOUGHAN HOUSE PLACE OF DETENTION

COMMENCING THE 19th MAY 2003 TO 20TH MAY 2003

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 On the 19th May 2003 and the 20th May 2003 an inspection of Loughan House, Place of Detention was carried out by the Inspectorate Team which consisted of: Mr. Justice Dermot Kinlen Inspector of Prisons and Places of Detention James Woods Special Advisor Prisons Inspectorate Martin McCarthy Prisons Inspectorate John Smyth Consultant Dr. Ann Smyth Consultant

The Inspectorate team were joined on the second day of their inspection by Mr. John Smyth B.L former Registrar of the Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg and subsequently Chef de Cabinet of the Secretary General of the Council of Europe in Strasbourg. His wife who is a medical doctor (Dr. Ann Smyth) also attended as an assistant to the Inspector.

1.2 The purpose of inspection is to identify issues and take note of any areas of concern or good practice which may pertain.

Date: Mr. Justice Dermot Kinlen Inspector of Prisons and Places of Detention

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2. Background

2.1 Loughan House is a modern building. It was built in 1953 as a noviciate for

the white fathers missionary congregation. It was opened as a penal institute

on the 15th May 1972 for male juvenile offenders between the ages of 16 and

21 years old. From October 1978 until April 1983 it was used as a detention

centre for boys aged between 12 and 16 years of age. Since 1983 it has

been used to accommodate male offenders aged 18 years and upward. The

prison is on the shores of Lough MacNean in Blacklion, West Cavan. On the

other side of the lake is the County of Fermanagh.

3. Statistical Information

3.1 The total capacity for Loughan House is 85 prisoners. On the date of

inspection their were 77 prisoners in custody, 6 were on daily temporary

release while 5 were on renewable weekly temporary release. Of the 77

prisoners serving sentences, three were for failure to pay fines while two were

debtors

The number serving sentences of 6 months or less was 29

“ “ “ 7 months to 12 months 19

“ “ “ 13 months to 18 months 9

“ “ “ 19 months to 24 months 10

“ “ “ 25 months to 30 months 1

“ “ “ 31 months to 36 months 2

“ “ “ 37 months to 48 months 2

“ “ “ 49 months to 60 months 3

“ “ “ 61 to 84 months 2 Total 77

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3.2 The staffing structure of Loughan House at the time of our visitation was as follows

Governor 1

Governor Assistant 1

Chief Officer II 1

Chief Trades Officer II 1

Assistant Chief Officer 6

Clerk 2

Trades Officer 3

Prison Officer 31

Total number of staff 46

4. Meeting with Governor

4.1 We were very warmly greeted by Governor Derek Brennan, Assistant Governor

Jim Reilly and newly appointed Chief Officer Ms. Gavin. The Governor gave a

most informative opening address stressing the importance of daily meetings

between staff and in particular to have regard to pre-release sentence

management. Loughan House is one of only two open centres within the prison

system. Open centres operate entirely different to closed prisons. He told us

that on occasions up to 60% of the prison population were members of the

travelling community. They have a very popular handball alley. The Inspector

was aware from his time on Mountjoy’s Visiting Committee that travellers are

exceptionally good at handball. He stressed the importance of understanding

the travellers and their culture. Most of the travellers do not want their culture to

die. With this in mind, “T.I.P.” was activated, this is a “travellers' initiative

programme”

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which examines travellers' needs and involved a two day in service training

programme especially for travellers. It also helps staff to be aware of travellers

needs and is run in conjunction with the education unit and the probation and

welfare. They have run an initial programme titled “Horizons” in partnership with

Fas the Probation and Welfare Linkage Officers, education unit and prison staff.

It consisted of modules in stress management alternatives to the pub fork lift

driving first aid, and safe pass. This Probation and Welfare Office initiative

endeavours to prepare prisoners for suitable employment on release. This

programme is managed by a multi disciplinary regime committee which is

chaired by the Governor.

4.2 The prison had problems with a particular type of waste disposal and the

prevention of polluted ground water escaping into the nearby lake. They are

very much concerned with environmental issues. They set up an environmental

management committee as part of the environmental management systems that

produced a policy document. The document contained a training programme

consisting of four modules and they have completed three of the four modules.

They have also sought approval from the I.P.S Headquarters to commence a

project to treat contaminated soil and are awaiting a response. He outlined that

there is a tv in all rooms, as well as a tv in the theatre for special occasions as it

is important in his view (which the Inspector shares) that for football matches

and such events there should be community viewing as well as individual

viewing.

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4.3 The locals were opposed to this institution some time ago but are now better

disposed towards it and infact some of the local football teams use the gym one

or two evenings per week. The centre also provide dinners for the old age

pensioners to the local health centre one day per week, which again is much

appreciated by the local community.

4.4 The Governor was concerned, as indeed everyone in the Prison Service

seems to be concerned, with arrangements for prisoners who are released.

There is an organisation known as “Kazelan” in Sligo which has

accommodation in 17 self contained units. It is managed and financially

supported by the Probation and Welfare Service and the Department of Justice

Equality and Law Reform. They can take homeless people such as ex

prisoners who are suf ficiently skilled to live on their own as well as taking people

referred to them by the courts. [This centre is being opposed by the local

community at present and are demanding its closure. The community do not

want released prisoners being accommodated there.]

4.5 He pointed out that the visiting centre was very old and needed to be replaced.

The same applies to the workshops.

4.6 The establishment has its own herd of sheep consisting of 56 animals and the

ewes are all lambing at the moment. Some prisoners take great interest in the

new born lambs and get up at night time to go out to check them.

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4.7 The prison staff are a long time here and most of them have achieved the 21

years service medal. He stressed that the staff were not over reliant on custody

matters but are more concerned with care issues.

4.8 Unfortunately there is no psychologist attached to the centre.

5. Meeting with the Chaplain

5.1 The Inspector met with the Chaplain. He is a curate in the local parish but lives

some distance away at an out church belonging to the parish. He has a

comparatively small flock but they are mainly elderly people and are quite

demanding in that they have to be provided with home visits. He is also

involved in the schools. Apparently he does not go to the meeting of chaplains

arranged each year in Portarlington. This is unfortunate.

5.2 There is a retired nun who is a qualified social worker with experience in

England, Ireland and Nigeria who attends the centre twice a week in a voluntary

capacity. She does not want to be put on the pay roll. She is attached to the

order based in Killashandra and supplements the work of the Chaplain. She is

not recognised as a Chaplain within the prison Chaplain’s group and therefore

not invited to the Chaplain’s annual meeting in Portarlington. She is much

appreciated by the inmates, but also by the Governor and staff.

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6. Meeting with members of Visiting Committee

6.1 The inspectorate met with the Chairperson and Vice Chairperson representing

the visiting committee. It was obvious that these people take a great interest in

the work of the visiting committee. The Inspectorate had been furnished with an

number of VC annual reports on Loughan House, the content of which are

noted.

6.2 Some of the issues of concern to them were the very poor condition of the

visitors' centre which badly needs attention. The workshops which require

immediate upgrading. The further development of the pre-release programme

which they are most supportive of. An increase in the type of work/ training

courses with appropriate certification which could benefit a prisoner trying to

secure employment on release.

6.3 They said they have a very good relationship with The Governor and his staff,

the Probation and Welfare service and Chaplain. They thought that the

prisoners' response to them in general was positive.

6.4 They also feel that the full potential of Loughan House is not being realised

and that the Irish Prison Service should examine its policy with a view to greater

development of this facility.

6.5 The inspector has no doubt that all members of the visiting committee take

their duties seriously. It is his well known view that all members of the Visiting

Committee should come from adjoining counties to the prison and of

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course the county where the prison itself is situated. In general it would appear

that the majority of the Visiting Committee to Loughan House would meet this

criteria.

7. Meeting with the Probation and Welfare Officer

7.1 The Probation and Welfare officer is a person of considerable experience. He

complains about the lack of job satisfaction because so many people are here

for so short a stay. He said that Loughan House was a very relaxed centre. It

should only be used as an incentive to persons in enclosed prisons. This is not

the way it is being used at the moment. There are many people who return

here over and over again. He thinks they should be punished by being sent to

an enclosed prison. Prisoners should be told that they will be considered for

Loughan House if they conform and show an ability to follow a strict regime for

self improvement. It is ridiculous to have people here for not paying fines and

who are here for a week or two weeks. The Inspector agrees with this view very

strongly.

7.2 Loughan House has fantastic potential. Some of the prisoners work for

farmers and are getting paid a wage. The workshops are reasonably well

utilised and the prisoners earn a respectable sum from the contract work

provided. In other jurisdictions, full wages are paid by external employers to

prisoners and also their social welfare stamps are paid in full.

The Probation Officer was quite clear that this should not be a prison for

dumping people. It is ridiculous that the same prisoners are held here at least

half a dozen or more times. It has been regarded as a suitable place

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for people whose offence is “merely” a driving offence or a drunken and driving

offence. That is an incorrect approach to sentencing and to punishment.

7.3 Loughan House should be for more long term prisoners where a proper

sentence management programme can be carried out. It should be regarded as

a reward for persons in an enclosed prison. There should be an incentive to

which all prisoners could reasonably aspire particularly for the concluding parts

of their sentences. It should obviously be for people who wish to reform and

have proved it by their behaviour. The parole board could use it for their

recommendation for suitable cases. It is a great place for proper through care

planning. It could be a really good FAS training centre.

7.4 The Probation and Welfare Officer admits that he is frustrated at times and that

he also has too much clerical work. He has served previously in Manchester

and in Portsmouth and found from his experience there, that much of the

clerical work can be done by unqualified people. He was full of praise for the

management whom he described as dynamic and progressive. Unfortunately

he may be leaving shortly. However, if possible he should be left for at least

another year, if it is his wish, and work with management in the further

development of the pre release scheme.

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8. Education

8.1 The inspectorate met with the head teacher. Again the complaint as it was with

others is the rapid turnover of prisoners being a great problem. It makes

planning extremely difficult. It is also frustrating to get a pupil to a certain stage

and then he disappears from the system. An inspection of the education

facilities was carried out.

8.2 Cavan V.E.C. has a long association with education provision in Loughan

House and now employs nine teachers. The literature provided outlined that the

aim of the education unit is to help the men cope with their sentences and

improve their range of options on release. Special attention is given to those

with literacy needs. Others attend local colleges offering specific courses. When

possible some students follow FETAC Foundation Courses. Other ongoing

curricular initiatives include, Educational Guidance, Health Promotion, Parenting

Courses, Outdoor Pursuits, Educational visits to places of interest.

8.3 It states that the programme provided is supported by the Irish Prison

Education Service, The Governor, and the Custodial Staff. The Open Learning

Centre offers full IT facilities and is open to learners outside school hours. The

modern handball alley is also a popular facility. The library in the main building

is well stocked and is open on a regular basis.

8.4 The main school is a separate building on top of a slight hill beside the main

car-park and outside the immediate perimeter of the prison itself. Like some

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of the buildings in the complex it has a flat roof which is hardly good architectural

practice now that the architects have been alerted to the fact that we get a lot of

rain in Ireland. This type of roof can and does lead to problems of leaking water

and discoloration of walls. While the inside of the school is very bright and

cheerful the outside is extremely shabby and urgently needs attention.

8.5 On inspection of the classrooms there were in fact very few people. As it was

12.45pm apparently a lot of them had gone to lunch but a few did remain in

class for the inspection teams arrival. We saw the art room where one pupil was

doing effective painting under the supervision of the art teacher. The teachers

provided literature which detail subjects available and are as follows drawing,

painting, calligraphy, pyrography (wood-burning) and scraperboard. Craft

classes in candle making, T-shirt painting, printing, glass painting and

photography are also available. They can also complete a FETAC course.

8.6 The following is a list of subjects offered by the education centre and as

present by them. In the music room we met a young man who was learning the

guitar. The aim of the music class is to develop musical creativity through active

involvement in performing, composing and listening to music. The instruments

that are available are guitar, piano, keyboard, tin whistle and mouth organ.

Performances and workshops by visiting artists are also an integral part of the

programme.

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8.7 The English and literacy class caters for those with reading and writing

difficulties and for those who wish to build on existing skills. Tuition is organised

on a one to one or small group basis, working on specific individual needs.

Emphasis is given to the development of listening and speaking skills. Students

contribute to the publication of the in-house magazine.

8.8 Computer studies, this class has a variety of IT courses available for all levels

from complete beginners up to ECDL and beyond. Most students take a

foundation level FETAC course and then progress to further relevant courses.

Students can also use the IT facilities for leisure and recreation purposes. The

Open Learning Centre in the prison is available for IT use at all times outside

school hours.

8.9 The woodwork class teaches students valuable working skills while designing

and making various artifacts. They are trained in the use of hand tools and

progress to DIY equipment such as the jigsaw, band- saw, scroll- saw, router,

crosscut- saw, mitre- saw and various drills and lathes. Projects include

designing and making doll's houses, lamps, harps, jewellery boxes, plaques,

shelving units, toys and rocking chairs. Additional introductory courses include,

Computer drawn House plans, Furniture restoration and repair, the uses and

characteristics of wood.

8.10 Science and maths class activities are wide and varied, and are aimed at

developing problem-solving skills catering for all levels. The ability to make

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calculations is developed, from the most basic level upwards. In science many

topics about the physical universe are covered as well as projects relating to

men's health issues, including the value of exercise and first aid. They also look

at scientific advances over the years and discuss future possible advances.

8.11 In physical education there are a wide variety of physical activities. They

develop skills which help them to take part in everyday situations, recreational

activities and sporting activities. The facilities include a Sports Hall, Fitness

Suite, Handball Alley, Outdoor Playing Pitch, and Tennis Court. Activities which

the students take part in include personal fitness, tennis, badminton, volleyball,

handball, racquet ball, team games, hill-walking and canoeing. Students are

also given information on other relevant topics e.g. dealing with trauma or

alcohol problems.

8.12 Home economics students learn practical skills including basic cookery,

hygiene, health care and nutrition for everyday living, encouraging teamwork,

Cooperation and self-confidence. Students may also follow the FETAC food and

cookery module. External facilitators support the core programme by providing

expert guidance on various topics.

8.13 The inspector met two young men in one of the classrooms who were

assembling a jigsaw puzzle which consisted of fitting all the counties of Ireland

into a frame of the entire island. Interestingly enough, the boys had no

difficulties with working out the counties in Northern Ireland, but once they

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got as far south as Leitrim they were very uncertain where anything was or

where any piece goes. There is a very happy feel about the whole school.

Classes are on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, 9.30 am to 12.30 pm and 2.00

pm to 3.30 pm. Wednesday and Friday 9.30 am to 12.30pm

8.14 The statistical information provided to the inspectorate shows that in 2002 one

pupil sat 2 subjects in the junior certificate examination and one student sat an

open university exam. No other examinations appears to have been taken and

no accreditation/certification achieved according to the information supplied.

9. Meeting with the P.O.A

9.1 As with the meeting of the staff group and the Inspectorate, the members

representing the Prison Officers' Association had no contentious issues with the

Governor or management of Loughan House. They said they had a very good

working relationship with both. They did however highlight that Loughan House

has a far greater potential than was being realised. They too were concerned

about the type of short term and high turnover prisoner being sent to Loughan

House.

9.2 The Irish Prison Service should examine closely the potential of Loughan

House as an incentive centre with a “through care programme”. This of course

is only possible with the proper planning development and structures being put

in place by the I.P.S in consultation with the Governor.

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10. Meeting with Doctors/Medical Concerns

10.1 There are two doctors attached to this centre. They are partners who practise

in County Fermanagh. The Inspectorate also saw a medical orderly. There are

a number of problems identified in the medical section. Firstly the surgery is

now on the third floor. Initially it was on the second floor. Then without any

consultation at all with the medical personnel it was moved to the third floor.

This is regarded by all the medical people interviewed as being a very

retrograde step in that some elderly patients particularly if they have heart

conditions or arthritis find it difficult to get to the third floor. There is absolutely

no reason, yet advanced, to justify putting it where the doctors and medical

orderlies think it is unsuitable. The matter was raised with local management

and they stated that the surgery was moved three years ago by the former

Governor who stated he had the full consent of the doctor and the medical

orderly of the time. It was necessary to move it so that it would be near a toilet

for urine analysis of prisoners on drug treatment programme. It was further

stated that its move was requested by both the medical orderly and the doctor

(the doctors have since changed)

10.2 However as a matter of urgency the surgery and ancillary services should be

provided on the ground floor or at least on the first floor or a lift be provided.

Some accidents occur in the gym and they have to be carried to the third floor

and carried back down again. Perhaps prisoners on crutches or with medical

conditions that inhibit their movements should not be considered for transfer to

Loughan House.

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10.3 On the day of our visitation a poor man on crutches had to climb up the stairs

to get his medication and this was happening regularly. On the other day of our

inspection the medical orderly visited the bedroom of the person on crutches

while an inspectorate member was there and issued the medication to him in his

room. Even if a lift were put in along the side of the stairs it would alleviate the

difficulties for people who find stairs extremely difficult if not impossible. Many

prisoners have to go up several times a day to collect their medication because

the distribution centre is on the top floor.

The medical orderly service exists from 8.00 a.m to 8.00 p.m. Overnight there

are no trained medical orderlies. Prisoners requiring any medical attention

during that period depends on an ordinary and untrained officer. The doctors

have complained that they cannot monitor the untrained staff’s dispensing or

failure to dispense the medicine. This should surely be remedied and local

management should have this problem looked into.

10.4 There is no psychologist attached to this prison and hasn’t been for years. In

fact it is two years since a psychologist saw a prisoner here. There is no

adequate access to psychiatric services. They were very concerned about the

psychiatric and psychological arrangements.

10.5 In the information provided to the inspectorate within its questionnaire there is a

mention of a psychiatrist being available on request. However that is a rarity. If

a prisoner with psychiatric problems requires hospitalisation they try to get him

into Sligo or Cavan but normally can not gain access there as the policy of the

Health Board appears to be against taking prisoners. Recently

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they had a prisoner from Galway who was in urgent need of psychiatric

treatment. His Regional Hospital there refused (as did Ballinasloe, Sligo, and

Cavan) to take him!. The present attitude of the Health Authorities is obscene

and cannot be justified. It is a denial of Human Rights. The Department of

Health and Children will not take prisoners in any mental hospital other than

inadequate Dundrum in normal circumstances.

All the medical staff spoke very highly of Sligo General Hospital and said that

there was access to excellent specialists.

10.6 The medical surgery was very well organised. The dangerous drugs are kept

under lock and key and there is an emergency supply for ordinary prison

officers who are on duty at night such as aspirin, rubs and over the counter type

medications.

10.7 There is an AA meeting once a week. Patches are provided by the Doctor for

people who want to quit smoking. The medical records are kept on file but not

yet on computer. This apparently is due to the fact that the doctors throughout

the prison system are seeking additional payments to operate them and the

matter is now in the field of industrial relations. Records are sent sealed in an

envelope to any other prison if the patient is transferred and taken by the officer

in charge of the escort.

11. Meeting with Senior Staff/Heads of Service

11.1 The Inspectorate met with the acting Chief Officer, Chief Trade officer and

Clerks in charge of office and stores. They outlined that a new workshop

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was meant to be built but has been shelved. All parties agree with what I have

previously stated about more “long term” and “towards the end of their

sentence” as the appropriate type of prisoners for Loughan House. There could

possibly be a small village like “the Grove” in Castlerea which could be used as

a halfway house for prisoners who are about to leave.

The transient nature of the prisoners is identified clearly by the figures that

there are 85 beds and that over 600 people per annum use those beds. The

prison could and should be developed to its full potential.

12. Staffing/Meeting with Staff Group

12.1 All of the staff work some overtime and according to their duty roster it appears

that they are operating with eight staff under their agreed complement. There is

no staff application for a transfer out of the institution at present. In the last year

there has been one new member of staff, one member has retired and three

staff members were transferred out. No staff have been on disciplinary hearing

before the Governor in the past year. There were no major issues of a negative

nature. This group of staff said there was a very good relationship between the

prisoners and the staff. That the staff work hard to create, encourage, and

develop this type of relationship as it is important in the overall context of what

they consider to be their role.

12.2 They also agreed that Loughan House has a far greater potential within the

prison system than that which is being achieved. The Irish Prison Service

should examine its policy on Loughan House.

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13. Facilities, Gratuities, Routine

13.1 Some of the prisoners receive half remission. Prisoners who work in special

areas such as the assembly workshops receive extra payments for this work.

There are no limits on the number of showers that prisoners can receive each

week. There is no restriction on the change of underwear, change of bed

clothing, or of towels. There is a laundry facility at the centre but bed clothing,

hand and bath towels are sent to an outside laundry. They have access by

telephone free of charge, to the Samaritans.

13.2 The daily routine is rise 8.00 am breakfast 8 am to 9 am, work or school to 1

pm. 1pm - 2 pm dinner. Work or school to 4 pm, tea at 5 pm, recreation in gym

basketball pitch, football, handball etc, 5 pm to 8 pm. Normal bedtime 12

midnight.

13.3 Interestingly enough the cost of a prisoner in Loughan House is one of the

lowest in the entire prison system which in itself says a great deal about its

structure and its management. Certainly all persons interviewed from the

Governor down to the humblest prisoner spoke highly of the relations between

staff and prisoner and about the way the prison is run. It is alleged that a senior

official from the I.P.S has stated that Loughan House will be kept for itinerants

only. This is an appalling idea, if it is true, and is probably a criminal offence as

it is clearly racist.

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14. Temporary Release/Abscondances/Escapes

14.1 There were 32 breaches of temporary releases in the last six months. There

were ten who were in breach of condition of temporary release such as

returning drunk or failed to return at agreed time or smuggled articles out of or

into the institution. The number of those who failed to return off temporary

release in the past six months and that are still at large is twelve. There were

twenty seven who absconded from the institution in the past year. Four

escaped while under escort. None of those granted temporary release either

under escort, or being accompanied, escaped during those periods of

temporary release.

15. Special holding cells or secure rooms

15.1 The “holding cells” or “secure rooms” are in fact two. They are for safe

containment of disruptive prisoners or those requiring protection. They are also

used at times for prisoners who break their temporary release regulations and

are returned to the centre by the Gardai.

16. Dentistry

16.1 It appears that if a prisoner has more than 16 months of sentence to serve he

can have the full dentistry treatment. However, if it is less than 16 months

sentence, he will only be seen if he is in pain and basically the only treatment

offered is extraction. For a short term prisoner, the attitude apparently is that

they can not undertake any root canal work or complicated fillings. The dental

service, while excellent in itself, is an abbreviated one.

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Most prisoners are neglectful about their dental health. The dentists work itself is

excellent.

17. Tour of Inspection

17.1 Loughan House is a three storey building with a small basement area. The

ground floor area consists of an entrances hall at the centre of the building

leading into a large reception area with a wide stairs leading off to the upper

floor landings. There are two landings or wings leading off each side of the

reception area and off these landings are offices, toilets, kitchen dining hall,

recreation room, theatre room, boardroom, control room and assistant chief

officers room.

17.2 ACO's Room

The “clock in” station for staff coming on and going off duty is located at the

ACO room. The issue of hand set radios and the re charging apparatus for the

radios is also operated from within this room. It is a functional ACO's room and

adequate for the number of staff who use it.

17.3 The General Office

The office has two staff working within it with one of the staff working in an

“acting up” capacity. The office deals with the prisoners files, warrants etc. as

well as staffs personal files. They are responsible for personnel matters and

the institution’s accounts. All prisoners applications are processed through this

office. It is a spacious office which appears to have been recently decorated

and renovated.

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17.4 Control Room

This room is located off the reception area and the person working here

operates the remote control of the gate entrances as well as observing the

CCTV's which are installed at various location within and outside of the building.

This room is staffed on a 24 hour day cycle. All of the fire control and alarm

panels are located there.

17.5 Governor’s office

Which is located off the reception area. It is a functional office, quite small with

desk, cabinets etc and has a table and chairs within it for holding meetings for a

small group of people.

17.6 Boardroom

This room has only recently been established. The furniture including the

boardroom table and chairs have been secured from Shanganagh Castle upon

its closure. It is bright and cheerful with plenty of space. The Governor

informed us that it available for everyone provided they book it in advance.

(management meetings, union, social club, training, education etc).

17.7 Pool Room

This is a large room with one pool table for prisoners use. It is freshly painted

and has a CCTV installed.

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17.8 Theatre Room

This is a very spacious room with a stage at one end . It is used for concerts or

debating. It is also used for group A.A. Meetings. It is freshly painted, clean

and tidy except for a number of tables which were stacked on each other in one

corner. It did not appear to be used too often but was informed that the

education people use it from time to time.

17.9 Computer Server Room

There is a very small computer server room just off this corridor. It is the control

point for all of the computers within the centre. It has an air fan operating within

it.

17.10 Library

The library is located in the basement area and is a large well laid out room. It

is open 3 mornings per week Monday, Wednesday, Friday for two hours of each

of the mornings. It is operated by an outside librarian and has a good stock of

books, tapes plus audio books. I was informed that there was no staff officer

input into its operation. The books are changed annually with Cavan County

Council Library.

17.11 Toilets

There are also gents and ladies toilets on the ground floor. The gents was

adequate with urinals, toilets, wash hand basins and hand dryers. The level of

hygiene within it was acceptable.

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17.12 Kitchen, vegetable preparation area, servery area and Dining Hall

These areas were all tiled, fitted with stainless steel equipment and have good

levels of hygiene. The kitchen is fitted out with all of the normal kitchen

equipment and operates on both electric and gas appliances. Just off the

kitchen there is a “dry store” storage room which also holds pots, pans, etc.

There is another annex off the kitchen which has a toilet, wash hand basin and

shower installed within it. The vegetable preparation area is well laid out with

stainless steel sinks and shelving. The only vegetables prepared there are

potatoes as all of the other vegetables are purchased prepared and frozen.

The servery area has stainless steel worktops with trays. There is a steel

shutter on the font of it so that it can be closed off from the dining area. It is well

equipped with storage facilities for delph, cutlery, etc. The dining area had 18

round tables with 4 chairs at each table. It has a milk (cool) dispenser at the

end of the room. The whole area was bright, clean and spacious with tiles on

the floor. It operates as a self service with each prisoner coming to the servery

area, collecting his meal and returning to a table. Staff supervise the area but

do not partake of the meals. They cook and serve three meals per day in the

kitchen area i.e. Breakfast, dinner and tea. At tea time, each prisoner is given a

“parcel” on leaving the dining hall. The “parcel” consists of bread, butter, jam,

tea bags, milk carton and they provide a meal for themselves in their bedrooms

whenever they wish as their rooms are fitted out with electric kettles.

{PAGE }

The only problem outlined was that there was no extraction fan in the area and

the heat from the cooking leaves it very hot and uncomfortable from a work

point of view. There are two small portacabins placed outside the back door of

the kitchen area. One of them is used as a smoking area for the prisoners while

the other one is used as a changing room for staff. The staff’s white uniforms,

hats etc are stored there.

At the time of inspection, there was only one prisoner working in the kitchen

area, but the officer stated that his average number of prison workers was five.

He outlined the difficulty with such high turn over of prisoners within the centre

that it was very hard to get prisoners to work for any long periods in the kitchen

as no sooner had they arrived and got familiar with the work than they were

discharged.

The kitchen operates a 28 day cycle menu which is due to be changed with

effect from the 1st June. To date they have not entered for any of the national

catering certifications, however, they are now endeavouring to reach the Irish

Food Hygiene Standard 340 1994 titled “Hygienic in the Catering Sector” and

they are regarding this standard as the minimum requirement for the centre.

This will entail staff and prisoner training in the best food hygiene practices. It

will also involve the store staff in the storage of food on reception and its

delivery from stores to kitchen area.

{PAGE }

17.13 R.C Church

The entrance to the church is off the main stairs above the reception area. It is

extremely well kept, very bright with a centre aisle and seating on each side. It

is quite large and would appear to accommodate up to at least 150 people. The

sacristy is just off the entrance door where the priest’s vestments, church

requirements etc are located. It is not locked during the day so prisoners and

staff can drop into it at any time if they so wish. It has under floor central

heating, the floor is tiled and well polished.

17.14 1st Floor

Entrances to this landing is by central stairs with 2 stairways at both ends of the

landing for emergency exit. The bedrooms on this landing are mostly shared by

two prisoners. Each bedroom has a t.v an electric kettle and a wash hand

basin. They have single beds and those that are doubled have two single beds.

All of the rooms have a built in wardrobe where the prisoner/s who occupy the

bedroom store a lot of their personal clothing. The prisoner/s have the

wardrobe locked and they have the keys to the lock. There is also a three

person bedroom on this landing and was informed that it was not used very

often. It was a large room with 3 single beds and mattresses but without bed

clothing. There was no wardrobe or wash hand basin in it. The bedrooms vary

in size and were reasonably tidy and all had natural light from quite a large

window. Some of the bedrooms had curtains of varying colours of which some

were attached to the windows by rail, other by string and some appear to be

attached by nails, but a lot of them were quite untidy and half hanging off. One

of the walls of each of the bedrooms

{PAGE }

have a large notice board attached with various pictures and posters displayed

on them. All of the bedrooms were in need of painting as they were quite dull

and dreary. There were posters stuck to the walls at some stage which had

been pulled off and in doing so took off some of the paintwork, thus leaving the

walls very patchy and marks of the adhesive still evident. So overall, the

bedrooms require renovation and painting as a matter of priority.

There is a toilet suite at both ends of the landing consisting of urinals, wash

hand basin, toilets, and showers. The floors of the showers area are covered

with mats to prevent slipping. There are some tiles missing off the wall in the

toilet area which needs replacing. The hygiene of the area was reasonable but

could be improved.

17.15 Isolation Rooms

There are two isolation rooms on this landing, each has a large window with a

steel grid and covered with perspex sheeting. There is no toilet or wash hand

basin in them. Both are quite small and have a mattress and pillow on the floor.

There is no other furniture or fittings within them. The walls are plastered and

there are tiles on the floors. There is a hole in the wall over the door in which is

placed a fan which can be operated from outside the door only. It blows in air in

the event of the rooms becoming too warm. There are push buttons type call

system inside both of the rooms and neither of them work. I asked the officer as

to how a prisoner can contact an officer while placed there and was informed by

banging on the door. The officer

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said that they are checked regularly while there and that there was always an

officer on the landing outside the door. The doors of the isolation rooms are not

opening out directly onto the landing as there is a small corridor outside the

isolation rooms and a door from the corridor onto the landing. So if a prisoner

held within the isolation rooms was banging for attention it may be difficult

enough to hear him unless one was close to the door leading onto the corridor.

The call bells within the isolation rooms should be repaired as a matter of

urgency.

17.16 The Reception/lock room

The reception is also located on this landing which is fitted out with lockers. The

lockers mostly contain prison issue clothing, runners, shoes etc and “kits” are

made up here for change of prisoners clothing. There is a computer installed

which is not working and there is a wash hand basin. The officer in charge of

this landing also operates the reception and the laundry. Just off the reception

area there is another locker room with 28 large and 12 small lockers. Within

this area the laundry for the centre is managed. All bed clothing, hand towels,

and bath towels are sent to an outside laundry in Ballinamore on Tuesdays and

Fridays.

17.17 The Chief Office and Detail Office

Both of these offices are operated from this 1st floor landing. They comprise of

the usual office furniture and fittings i.e. Computers, lockers, filing cabinets, etc.

Both are a reasonable size for the amount of personnel who work within them.

They were fairly neat and tidy.

{PAGE }

There is a small tea room off both of these offices and just off the tea room

there is a small staff toilet which was clean and hygienic.

17.18 The Probation and Welfare Office

This is quite a spacious office and as well as the office desk, chair, cabinets, etc

there is a round table in the centre of the floor with 4 -6 chairs. Small meetings

can be held there and it is well laid out, with bright and cheerful colours.

17.19 Class Officer’s Office

This is a small office for the use of the officer in charge of the landing. There is

a desk and chair within it with records of those prisoners located on the landing.

There are fire extinguishers stored there. The officer informed me that the

person in charge of the landing always has the key to this office and that it is

open at night time for the use of the night duty officer.

17.20 Top landing (2nd Floor)

Entrance to this area is by central stairs with stairs at both ends of the landing

for emergency purposes. The landing is similar to the 1st floor in that it contains

prisoners bedrooms as well as offices and facilities. There are no isolation

rooms on this landing. The bedrooms are mostly occupied singly although there

are some doubled and are slightly better maintained and tidier than the

bedrooms on the 1st floor. However, they could all be improved with repainting.

There were two very large bedrooms on this landing which were described as

“committal rooms”. One of these rooms

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can hold up to five prisoners in single beds but there was three single beds in it

on the day of inspection. It had a wash hand basin within it but no lockers or

wardrobes. The second of these rooms can hold up to six single beds although

it also had three beds in it on the day. It had a wash hand basin but no lockers

or wardrobes. The officer stated that if prisoners arrive late at night they are

generally placed in either of these two rooms and remain there until another

bedroom becomes available.

The toilets/wash/shower areas are located at both ends of the landing with a

store room located between shower and toilet area for holding mops, brushes,

etc. In each of them there are four toilets, two urinals two wash hand basins,

hand dryers (not working) and three showers. There is mat floor covering in the

shower area. The curtains in the shower cubicles and the timber seating are in

need of replacement and repair. The whole toilet/wash area require repainting.

The overall hygiene was reasonable but could be improved.

17.21 Computer Room

There are six computers within this small area for prisoners education. They

can receive class room instructions which is located elsewhere and take the

disc from the computer in the class room and place it in the computer within this

room and continue their computer studies outside of educational hours. It is a

well laid out carpeted room and comfortable for six occupants.

{PAGE }

17.22 Dental Surgery

This appears to be a well laid out modern dental surgery although it is out of

order at present due to some compressed air problem and are awaiting an

engineer to arrive to repair same. The dentist provides a once per month

session or as required in an emergency. He is based in Enniskillen

17.23 Staff Training Room

This room is used for computer training but can also be used for other training if

required. It has two computers within it as well as filing cabinet, desk, chairs,

etc. It is brightly painted but kept in quite an untidy state and does not appear to

be used too often.

17.24 Hairdressing Room

An outside hairdresser provides a hairdressing service for the prisoners one

evening per week. It is a small room with wash hand basin and two chairs and

is sparsely laid out

17.25 Staff Tea Room

This is a reasonable size room with a round table and six chairs. It has a fully

fitted kitchen with worktop spaces, cooker, drinking water tap, presses, tv,

microwave, etc. It is bright and comfortable for the occupants.

17.26 Surgery Room

This is the room that the doctor/s use as their surgery. It is laid out like any

GP's surgery with couch, table, desk, filing cabinet, presses, etc. There are

{PAGE }

three medical orderlies two of which are full time while one is part time. All

perform an 8 am to 8 pm duty roster and one is on duty within those times.

There are no general nurses attached to the centre. There are two visiting

doctors one of whom attend Mondays and Tuesdays while the second doctor

attends Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. One of them are “on -call” at

weekends. There is a psychiatrist on call if required. He is a retired psychiatrist

but provides psychiatric cover for both Castlerea Prison and Loughan House

when required.

There is no psychologist attached to the centre however, if the doctor deems

that a prisoner requires the services of a psychologist, the medical orderly

telephones the Irish Prison Service Headquarters and requests a psychologist.

One of the psychologist from within the service generally arrives within five days

of the request being placed for their services.

The centre had the services of an addiction counsellor from the North Western

Health Board who operated in conjunction with the doctor and head teacher, but

this service is no longer being provided. The A.A visit the centre weekly,

generally Saturdays or Sundays and hold open meetings.

17.27 Tuck Shop

This office opens for a short period on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays for

the sale of cigarettes, tobacco, sweets, toiletries etc for prisoners. It entails a

paper transaction in that a sheet with each individual prisoners account is held

in the tuck shop and when the prisoner places his order the costs of same is

calculated and deducted accordingly from his account for

{PAGE }

which he signs . The shop is quite small and sparsely stocked. It has free

standing shelves in the centre with storage space at the back and a counter to

the front where the business is transacted. It also has a filing cabinet and

storage presses.

17.28 Class Officers Office

This is a similar office to the one on the floor below with a computer desk and

computer and two chairs. It is quite small but adequate as only one person

operates within it. There are six fire extinguishers stored there.

17.29 Ladies Rest Room

This is a reasonable size room with three low arm chairs and a coffee table. It

has storage presses along one wall. It is a bright and tidy room with tea/coffee

making facilities within it. Adjacent to this room there is a lady’s toilet.

17.30 Laundry

The laundry is fitted out with two washers, two dryers, shelves, sink, and small

storage facility. It operates every day and the prisoners bring their own

personal clothing for washing and drying there. The washing powder for use

there is a “self feed” system in that when a prisoner puts his laundry into the

machine, he presses a button for it to begin and the washing powder

automatically releases the required amount into the wash. There were various

amounts of plastic bags with clothes in them left around the floor of

{PAGE }

the laundry. The whole area is tiled and reasonably clean and tidy.

17.31 Carpentry Shop

This shop operates under the guidance of a teacher attached to the educational

staff. The teacher informed me that he normally has five prisoners in the shop

but on the day of inspection there was one there. The instructions given here

mostly relates to craft work such as making standard lamps, dolls houses, heart

shaped picture frames. He told me that none of the prisoners sat exams as

they pass through the centre so frequently that they are not there long enough

to enter and sit the exams. The workshop was fully fitted out with the various

equipment necessary for instructions in carpentry.

17.32 Gym

The gym is used from 9 am to 12.30 pm and from 2pm to 3.30 pm by the P.E

teacher and it operates in the evening times and at weekends under the

guidance of a prison officer. The prisoners (8) in the gym at the time of our visit

were under the instructions of the PE teacher. The gym is a fully fitted out large

area suitable for playing volleyball basketball, badminton (although slightly

narrow for badminton) soccer, football etc. It is bright and airy. The teacher

informed me that he conducts three sessions per day some of which may entail

using the outside tennis court, the handball alley or the football field. He also

takes them out mountain walking on occasions.

Just off the gym area there is an exercise room with 8 exercise machines, 1

trotter and 2 exercise bicycles as well as weight lifting equipment. It is quite

{PAGE }

small but appears adequate for the numbers involved. All of the machines were

in use at the time of our inspection.

On entrance to the gym there is a small office where the teacher keeps his

records, notes etc. Just off the entrance there is a changing room which is tiled

and has toilets, urinals, 8 showers and 4 wash hand basins. In an area outside

of the changing rooms there is a punch bag with a drinking water fountain.

Overall, this is a wonderful amenity to have for the centre and is used at times

by outside football teams who come in at night time to train there provided they

supply the necessary insurance cover.

17.33 Handball Alley

This is a closed in handball alley with a glass (perspex) back wall in it. It is

newly built and used every second evening during recreation period. It has a

small changing room with shower and wash hand basin. There is also a toilet

and urinals just off the main entrance door. It is bright and airy and another

great facility to have at the centre. I was told that is used extensively by the

prisoners of the travelling community.

17.34 Workshops

The workshops are located in a portacabin building which is in urgent need of

replacement. It is in poor condition with holes in part of the floor and leaking in

other parts. In the two areas being used at the time of our inspection there were

3 prisoners in one and 4 prisoners in the other. The officer in charge stated that

they normally have 10 to 14 prisoners working

{PAGE }

within these workshops. The work entails assembling car parts and is

contracted from an outside company who pays for the work done. Some of the

money earned is credited to the prisoners account while the balance goes into

the prison funds.

17.35 Visiting Area

This is another portacabin building in dire need of replacement. There are six

tables placed around the room with four or five chairs at each table. The officer

comes into the visiting area occasionally but generally there is very little staff

supervision leaving it very visitor friendly. Bags or articles being brought in by

visitors are checked at the entrance gate or at the front of the building. There

are two toilets just off the main visiting area, one of which was out of order and

awaiting repairs. The hygiene in the toilet that was in use could be improved.

17.36 Stores/Trades Stores/General Stores

This is a stand alone two storey building situated outside of the perimeter fence.

The ground floor area caters for the victualling aspect of the centre and has a

considerable number of freezers, fridges, cold rooms as well as a “dry” storage

facility for the likes of cereals, bread, rice, etc. It is neat and tidy and a good

standard of hygiene was present. There is a clerk in charge of the area who

has responsibility for the clerical work as well as receiving in the foodstuff and

its distribution. He had one prisoner working in the area at cleaning and storage

work.

{PAGE }

The other section of the ground floor area contained a store which held the

building material requirements of the centre such as pipes, cement, plumbing,

electrical parts, timber, etc. It also held stationary requirements for the centre.

They were in the process of installing a toilet, wash hand basin and shower in a

section of the stores resulting in a lot of dust in the area and the shelving, etc

had to be moved to allow space for this new facility.

The general stores is on the second floor of the building which caters for all of

the requirements of the centre such as bedding, clothing, cutlery, delph, pots,

pans, tv etc. There is a clerk in charge of the area to look after the clerical

aspect of the stores.

There is also a trades officers’ workshop and the Chief Trades Officer’s Office is

also located within the building. It is a relatively new modern building and kept

clean and tidy.

17.37 Football Field

There is a reasonable sized football field attached to the centre as well as an

outdoor tarred enclosed tennis court. I was informed that the football field is in

need of top soil as there are a considerable amount of stones protruding up

form the ground which leaves it dangerous for those playing on it.

{PAGE }

18. Health and Safety (especially fire aspect of health and safety)

18.1 The inspectorate had a meeting with the chief trades officer and the acting

chief officer regarding health and safety, especially fire, within the centre. The

chief trades officer produced a fire registrar in which is recorded the checks and

contract work carried out on various fire prevention equipment within the centre.

The acting chief officer outlined that he was unable to get access to the records

of evacuations and training carried out as the person who had such records was

away on that particular day but that such records would be forwarded to the

Inspector’s office. The records relating to the seven evacuations which took

place in 2002 were forwarded later.

18.2 A number of the fire preventive equipment is checked by outside contractors

such as the smoke detectors by Siemens, the ansul powder system in the

kitchen by ABC fire protection and the fire extinguishers by Apex. The chief

trades officer has the dates and times that these contract works were carried

out and a certificate issued after such checks. The trades staff carry out daily,

weekly, and monthly checks on other fire preventive equipment such as the fire

hose reels, emergency lighting and signage, fire extinguishers, fire alarms, etc.

18.3 The records produced stated that seven evacuations took place during 2002

i.e 21st January, 4th March, 29th April, 14th June, 20th August, 16th October

and 17th December. The evacuations were carried out at different times during

the day e.g 11.00 a.m, 1.15 p.m, 1.37 p.m., 10.30 a.m, 11.14 a.m, 10.30 a.m,

and 5.30 p.m but some of the exercises were conducted wit

{PAGE }

the night time staff complement. The time recorded to evacuate the buildings

range from 8 minutes to 12 minutes with an average time of 11 minutes over the

seven evacuations. The average number of prisoners evacuated over the

exercise periods 74. The fire experts would not deem eleven minutes as an

acceptable time to evacuate a building especially during the day. However when

this was raised with the senior staff they outlined that the total prisoners and

staff were counted on arrival at the assembly area which took between 3-4

minutes and the valance of the time was taken up with checking off the names

from a role. No staff training in fire drill or use of breathing apparatus equipment

has taken place at this centre in the previous twelve months. No training in the

use of fire extinguishers or familiarisation training in the use of the operations of

fire hose reels have taken place either in the previous 12 months. There is an

urgent need for this training to be carried out. A pocket sized booklet titled “Fire

prevention and evacuation booklet, Loughan House, Department of Justice

issued 1993” was given to all staff at the centre but it could not be confirmed if

any update of the booklet took place since or if new staff to the centre were

issued with this booklet since 1993.

18.4 All new committals to Loughan House are informed and shown the exit points

and assembly points in the event of a fire or an emergency and they sign a form

accordingly which outlines the areas that they have been shown, the exit and

signage plus the assembly point. A site map is located at various points within

the building. There are no written fire evacuation instructions in the prisoner’s

bedrooms and the assembly point area is not sign posted.

{PAGE }

18.5 The building has central stairs as well as stairs at both ends. There are battery

backed electrical lit exit signage throughout the building. The building is fitted

with fire doors and there are break glass fire alarm buttons located at strategic

points throughout the centre. There are smoke detectors in all of the bedrooms

in the main building as well as in the educational unit and staff living quarters.

There are ten fire hydrants, 9 around the main buildings and one at the

sewerage treatment plant. The water pressure is 6 bar which is satisfactory to

the local fire brigade . There is a water fire ring mains supply around the

building which is drawing from the local lake through the fire pump room, which

in turn is boosted by two jockey pumps and pumped as required throughout the

system. The domestic water is supplied from 3 wells which again is pumped

around the house. The domestic water is sent for analysis twice per year to

establish if it is suitable for domestic use. Fire hose reels are located at both

ends of each floor and on each landing. They reach all of the required areas

from their location. Fire hose reels are also installed in the education unit, staff

quarters, trades entrance hallway and trades stores areas. They are tested by

the trades staff daily. The records show that there are 160 fire extinguishers

located throughout the buildings e.g in the main house, the gym, woodwork

area, education area, stores, trades workshops, plant and equipment room.

They were having a problem with the extinguishers that were located on the

landings as the prisoners were interfering with them. So they have now located

them in the class officer’s office. The Inspectorate was assured that the key to

this office was always available to the officer in charge of the landing and

therefore the extinguishers are available in an emergency at all

{PAGE }

times. It would be better to have them freely available on the landings but if they

were being damaged then there is little alternative. The kitchen (over the

cooking area) is fitted with a fire suppression powder foam extinguisher. There

are also emergency stop buttons at various locations throughout the kitchen

area and if activated, it cuts off the electric power supply immediately.

18.6 There are no water sprinklers installed in any part of the building as well as no

smoke extraction system. There are holes placed in the wall over the bedroom

doors to allow smoke out onto the corridor or landing in the case of a bedroom

fire. So how are people to be got out off the landing if it becomes smoke filled?

18.7 The local fire brigade (who are part time) are located in Dowra, County Leitrim.

They visited the centre a month ago and brought the fire tender with them.

They familiarised themselves with the building exits, fire hydrants, hose reels,

etc on that occasion. They do not come very often and we were told that they

are not called if a practice evacuation is taking place as they are part time and it

would mean taking them away from their normal work.

18.8 The teachers, the nun and the probation and welfare officer are issued with an

alarm activator which they carry in their possession. They also have an alarm

press button attached to the underside of their desks in their offices or

classrooms. This alarm system is addressed into the control panel in the control

room which operates 24 hours per day.

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19. Recommendations

1. The position regarding adequate psychiatric services should be discussed with

the doctors, the Governor and the Prison Service Headquarters and a suitable

service put in place immediately. The Department of Health and Children

should provide a psychiatric hospital cover for Loughan House as indeed all

prisons. [Page 15, 10.4, 10.5]

2. A psychologist should be appointed to the prison. [Page 5, 4.8]

3. The surgery should be removed downstairs or a lift should be provided

alongside the stairway which would carry incapacitated patients up and down.

[Page 14, 10.2]

4. The visitor centre should be replaced urgently (the mens toilet in it is out of

order). The whole building is decaying. [Page 6, 6.2 + Page 35, 17.35]

5. The shelved new workshop should be built immediately. [Page 17, 11.1]

6. If she is agreeable, the Killesandra based nun should be made a full time

Chaplain without pay. This would enable her to attend the Chaplains meetings.

At the moment she is a volunteer and she wants to continue in that capacity.

The Inspector intends to talk to the head chaplain about this particular matter.

The Bishop of Kilmore will also have to be contacted as he provides chaplains

to Loughan House. [Page 6, 5.2]

{PAGE }

7. An extraction fan should be put into the cooking area of the kitchen. [Page 24,

17.12]

8. All bedrooms are in need of repainting and renovation. [Page 26, 17.14]

9. Missing wall tiles in the toilet area should be replaced. [Page 26, 17.14]

10. The call bells in the two isolation rooms should be repaired and become usable.

This is a matter of high priority while these rooms are being used at all. [Page

26, 17.15]

11. The curtains in the shower cubicles and the timber seating are in need of

replacement and repair. The whole toilet washroom area requires repainting.

The overall hygiene within the toilet/washroom areas could be improved. [Page

29, 17.20]

12. The dental surgery should become operational as soon as possible. The

engineer should be required to attend as a matter of great priority to repair the

air compression. [Page 30, 17.22]

13. The addiction counsellor from the North Western Health Board should be

restored. [Page 31,17.26]

14. The football field needs attention as presently it is dangerous. [Page 36, 17.37]

{PAGE }

15. The training of the staff in the use of breathing apparatus equipment and in fire

drill and in evacuation proceedings requires immediate attention. [Page 38,

18.3]

{PAGE }

20. Conclusions

Loughan House is an open Prison. There are many positive things about it.

Firstly it is in pleasant premises in attractive surroundings on the edge of a lake.

Some of the prisoners are engaged in productive work which results in them

getting payments. The work could be of monotanous nature and a broaden

range of work training could be introduced. It has also an excellent selection of

opportunities in the school where there are a number of young and enthusiastic

teachers. However, the population is very transient. It is really very difficult to

plan a programme of work or education if a person is only staying for such a

short time. Last year there were approx 600 bednights. That shows the stay of

many prisoners was very short as the maximum number of full capacity is 85.

It is a centre with great potential but not being fully utilised. However, it should

not be a place to where people are sent again and again. It should be regarded

as a reward in the Prison system. There have been some people sent to the

centre several times. While there is work being done and being rewarded for

same there is no work training as such. There is a need for a structured

training/work/educational programme for those detained there. In my view,

people on long sentences who have proven themselves in other prisons to be

capable of benefiting from a stay in Loughan House should be sent to spend at

least the last year of their long sentence in its environment. Consideration

might also be given to a hostel. It would supplement the existing hostel in Sligo

and facilitate the prisoners who might be employed by local farmers or find other

employment in the area, for a period after their

{PAGE }

sentence has concluded. I repeat it is not being used to its full potential and the

Prison Service should reconsider its present use.

I would like to congratulate the Governor and staff in all the work they are doing

and indeed the air of contentment that exists amongst the prison population as

well as the staff in this potentially dynamic centre. The relationship between the

staff and the prisoners appears excellent. I would like to thank the Governor

and all concerned for their very warm reception of the inspection team. I would

also like to congratulate and thank the doctors and chaplains and the visiting

committee and my two consultants John Smyth and his wife Dr. Ann Smyth and

of course my fellow inspectors Jim Woods and Martin McCarthy for all their help

in carrying out this inspection.