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Scandals in Irish prisons in recent years have highlighted systemic issues, including whistleblower suppression, inmate treatment, and institutional cover-ups. Below is a concise overview of key incidents and ongoing concerns based on available information:

1. Whistleblower Suppression (2019): The Irish Prison Service (IPS) has faced criticism for its handling of whistleblowers. Despite official claims of supporting protected disclosures, the reality suggests otherwise. Since the 2014 Protected Disclosure Act, 25 disclosures were made, but 11 were deemed not to qualify, including one by Noel McGree, who successfully appealed. Allegations include covered-up assaults on officers and uninvestigated sexual harassment settled out of court with public funds. External legal firms investigating disclosures have been criticized for lack of transparency.
2. Slopping Out and Overcrowding (2023): The practice of “slopping out” (prisoners using buckets for sanitation due to lack of in-cell facilities) persists, with seven inmates affected as of October 2023. Overcrowding remains a significant issue, with 4,612 prisoners against a capacity of 4,411 beds, exacerbating tensions and limiting rehabilitation. The Irish Penal Reform Trust (IPRT) has flagged these conditions as human rights concerns.
3. Spike in Prisoner Deaths (2022): The Inspector of Prisons reported 23 deaths in custody in 2022, a 188% increase from eight in 2021. Many were linked to mental health issues and substance misuse, with 68% of unnatural deaths (e.g., overdoses, suicides) involving illicit drugs. This reflects inadequate mental health support and drug control measures.
4. Violence and Assaults (2014–2023): Violence in prisons like Mountjoy, Castlerea, and Cloverhill has been a recurring issue. Mountjoy recorded nearly three assaults weekly in 2014, though overall assaults dropped 68% from 2011 to 2013. Notable incidents include a 2013 attack at Cloverhill where an inmate attempted to gouge a warden’s eyes and a brutal “napalm” assault (boiling water and sugar) on an inmate in Mountjoy. These highlight ongoing safety risks for both prisoners and staff.
5. Prescription Drug Misuse (2012–2020): A study revealed high prescribing rates of potentially addictive drugs (opioids, benzodiazepines, gabapentinoids) in Irish prisons, particularly among women with opioid use disorder histories. While opioid and benzodiazepine prescribing decreased, gabapentinoid use rose, raising concerns about misuse and inadequate oversight of prison healthcare.

Critical Perspective: These scandals point to deeper systemic flaws—underfunding, resistance to reform, and a culture of secrecy within the IPS. The reliance on external firms for investigations and the dismissal of whistleblower claims suggest an institution more focused on self-preservation than accountability. Overcrowding and poor conditions like slopping out violate basic human rights, while high death rates and drug issues indicate neglect of prisoner welfare. The state’s slow response to these issues, despite IPRT advocacy, reflects a broader societal tendency to marginalize incarcerated populations.