As part of the Junior Certificate CSPE program a group of third years will visit Limerick Prison on 28th November
General Description
Limerick Prison is the oldest functioning prison in the country. It was opened in 1821 and has seen continuous service since. Consequently it is undergoing an extensive building and refurbishment programme at present. Limerick Prison is a medium security prison situated practically in the centre of Limerick City. It is a closed prison catering for both male and female prisoners.
Operational Capacity
Limerick Prison has facilities to cater for 14 female prisoners and 172 male prisoners. Accommodation for a further 78 male prisoners will come available later on this year with the completion of a new wing.
Cell Accomodation
Limerick Prison has cell accommodation to cater for 172 male prisoners and 14 female prisoners. The newly refurbished Female section has in cell sanitation as will be the case in the new wing currently under construction. All cells have televisions installed and also have facilities for the prisoners to make hot drinks.
Reception Criteria
Limerick Prison is the Committal prison for Limerick, Clare and Tipperary for males and females are accepted from all six Munster counties. Relevant legislation requires that committals to Limerick Prison must be 17 years or older. Prisoners as young as 15 to 17 years of age can be committed if certified by the Courts to be incorrigible. Limerick Prison accepts prisoners directly from the Courts or on transfer from other prisons.
Healthcare
Limerick Prison Authorities provide 24 hour medical care for the prisoners in their charge. A part-time Medical Officer ( Doctor ) is in attendance daily. The prisoners may also avail of the services of the Clinical Psychologist on staff. Other voluntary services are provided by visiting Counsellors who attend the prison on a number of days each week. Where the prison authorities cannot provide appropriate medical treatment offenders are facilitated in the local hospitals. A visiting Psychiatrist attends weekly and as required thereafter.
Drug Treatment
All prisoners are interviewed on committal regarding their drug usage. All cases are referred for the attention of the Medical Officer. The new wing currently under construction and scheduled for completion later this year has been designated as a Drug Free Unit and will, in association with the Mid-Western Health Board, provide programmes and assistance for prisoners who wish to make a break from Drugs.
Work and Training
All prisoners are encouraged to engage in activities involving Work Training, such as Catering, Workshops, Craftshops, Laundry, Upholstery, Education and Library facilities. Many prisoners also partake in Physical Education activities. A large number of the available training opportunities carry accreditation/certification for the person who completes the required course to the approved standard.
Education
All persons committed to custody are entitled to and are encouraged to avail of the extensive educational opportunities available within the Prison System. It is possible for offenders to study courses ranging from Group Certificate, Leaving Certificate to Open University Courses. Illiteracy is a major problem with many prisoners and the Education System has targeted this as a priority and consequently provides comprehensive Adult Literacy classes.
Encounter Scheme
The Prison Encounter scheme operates in Limerick Prison in partnership with the Juvenile Liaison Department of the Garda Siochana. This initiative allows young males and females who might be coming to the notice of the Gardai visit a closed Prison environment, witness the lifestyle and conditions of prisoners, speak to Staff members and prisoners all with a view to encouraging them to re-evaluate the way of life they have chosen.
Youthreach
Youthreach provide training programmes for young adults and endeavour to successfully place the trainees in permanent employment. As part of the training programmes Youthreach arrange visits to the Prison for their trainees on much the same lines and with the same goals as the Encounter Scheme but without any involvement from the Garda Juvenile Liaison Officer.
Connect Project
The Connect Project is a multidisciplinary approach to providing structured training programmes for offenders during the course of their sentence and with a view to linking them with further training or employment on release. This project is being implemented in Limerick Prison in the immediate future. It will mean a greater direct involvement by the multidisciplinary group in encouraging and directing prisoners from committal to discharge, in training programmes and career option decisions which might be available and suitable to them.
Visiting Times
Normal visiting times operate in Limerick Prison from 10.00am – 12.00md and 2.00pm – 4.00pm each day Monday to Saturday except for Thursday when afternoon visiting times are 2.30pm – 4.00pm. Sentenced prisoners are entitled to two visits per week, each of 30 minutes duration, and Remand prisoners are entitled to a visit of 15 minutes duration each day Monday to Saturday. Facilities are also available where prisoners may avail of special visits on request. Visitors must present themselves to the staff in the Waiting Area to arrange their visit and should have identification with them should the Prison Authorities require same. Up to three adults may visit with a prisoner at the same time. There is no restriction on the number of small children. There is a no smoking policy in operation in the visiting area. All visits are conducted under the supervision of Prison Staff.
