Madam, - The National Catholic Prison Chaplains welcome the Minister for Health's recent visit to the Central Mental Hospital in Dundrum. As reported in your paper on February 20th, the Minister is quoted as saying "The physical conditions are very, very grim indeed and are unsatisfactory. There is no question about that. . . It's clear to me that these conditions cannot be allowed continue indefinitely."
The very same conditions pertain in Mountjoy Prison in Dublin. Lack of hygiene, sanitation, showering allowed only once a week. Mice and cockroaches are prevalent in the prison. Over 400 prisoners must "slop out" every day in Mountjoy. These conditions are inhuman, and degrading to people in 2003.
The chaplains and the prisoners would welcome a visit from the Minister for Justice, Mr McDowell and indeed the Minister for Health, Mr Martin, to the main prison to see for themselves the conditions that prisoners live, eat and sleep in. - Yours, etc.,
Father DECLAN BLAKE,
Co-ordinator,
(On behalf of the National
Prison Chaplains),
Mountjoy Prison,
North Circular Road,
Dublin 7.