THE PRISON OFFICERS Association has expressed concern about mental health in Irish prisons, with as many as 70% of prisoners having mental health issues.
A 2020 report from the Council of Europe’s anti-torture committee noted that progress had been made in the treatment and living conditions of Irish prisoners. The anti-torture committee added: “Another major concern is the rising number of homeless persons with severe mental health problems who are ending up in prison”.Speaking at today’s conference, POA president Tony Power said his “members are asked to deal with ill people on a 24/7 basis without any formal training”.
Power also told the conference that a “policy on overcrowding the Irish Prison Service is contributing to the deterioration of prisoners’ mental health”. Power reminded prison officers at the conference of the supports available to them, including a peer-driven 24-hour help and counselling service called Inspire which is designed to support officers following traumatic incidents.