A LOSING BATTLE AGAINST DRUGS

THE prevalence of HIV and hepatitis infection among Ireland’s prison
population is truly alarming. The findings of a survey published today show
five of the country’s prisons are in the high risk category while four
others are rated as posing a medium risk.

Grim statistics issued by Trinity College researchers confirm the
impression that the country’s prisons are awash with drugs, especially
those in Dublin. It is frightening to learn that no fewer than 21% of those
injecting drugs first began doing so while in prison. More than half the
prisoners shared needles and 60% of women prisoners injected drugs.

The bleak picture emerging from the survey underlines the case for changing
the management structure of prison medical services. Above all, however, it
shows the authorities are losing the battle to transform prisons into drug
free zones.