URGENT UPDATE: Irish prisons are in a state of crisis, with overcrowding reaching alarming levels. Officials warn that authorities may resort to using recreation halls and classrooms to accommodate inmates, as facilities are overwhelmed. The Prison Officers Association (POA) has confirmed that there are currently 5,528 inmates in custody—860 more than the maximum capacity.

The situation has escalated rapidly, with over 500 additional prisoners incarcerated since January 2023. With Cork Prison seeing nearly 90 inmates sleeping on mattresses on the floor, and Dóchas women’s prison reported to be in a “shocking state,” conditions are deteriorating. “Every cell in Cork is doubled up, and we are now facing unthinkable scenarios,” said POA Deputy General Secretary Gabriel Keaveny.

Authorities are alarmed as the final week of court sessions before the summer break approaches, raising concerns about where to house new committals and remands. Senior prison sources indicate there is simply “no more space for bunk beds or mattresses,” resulting in discussions to designate recreation areas as temporary housing for inmates.

The Irish Prison Service (IPS) has warned that if current trends continue, inmate numbers could surge to almost 6,000 by the end of the year. The Department of Justice previously alerted Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan about the risks associated with rising prison populations, highlighting the urgent need for action.

Conditions are worsening, with overcrowding linked to increased drug abuse and violence among inmates. “Where overcrowding prevails, we see more altercations and assaults,” Keaveny added. He emphasized the immediate need for 1,200 additional spaces to alleviate pressure, but warned that these solutions are still years away.

The government’s original capital plan aimed to create 1,100 extra spaces by 2030/31, but a renewed proposal could increase that number to 1,595 through redevelopment efforts at old facilities, including Cork Prison. O’Callaghan has indicated that funding is essential to expedite the delivery of 960 additional spaces across various prisons, with a potential acceleration of 12 to 18 months.

As the situation develops, the need for immediate solutions has never been clearer. The pressure on Irish prisons is mounting, and officials must act quickly to prevent further deterioration of conditions within facilities.

Stay tuned for updates as this story unfolds; the implications of these developments may affect countless lives in the coming weeks.

UPDATE: Survivors of abuse in the Irish education system are expressing outrage over the exclusion of “barbaric” corporal punishment from a major inquiry into historical abuse in schools. Following the announcement by Minister for Education Helen McEntee earlier this month, a retired High Court judge, Michael McGrath, was appointed to lead the investigation into sexual abuse in all Irish day and boarding schools, leaving many feeling neglected.

The newly established commission will focus solely on allegations of sexual abuse, which has sparked disappointment among survivors who have also endured extreme physical violence in schools. Many victims, some of whom were sexually abused, have shared harrowing accounts of beatings and severe punishment that occurred in schools even after 1982, the year corporal punishment was banned in Ireland.

In an urgent call for action, survivors voiced their concerns through a scoping inquiry that noted the violence experienced in schools exceeded what was deemed “acceptable corporal punishment.” One man in his 50s, who previously secured a conviction against a former Christian Brother, stated, “It feels as if the Government has forgotten about my experiences.” He described a traumatic incident where a teacher violently smashed his arm onto a desk, stating, “Can you imagine the pain of that?”

Another survivor from the midlands recounted the cruel treatment he faced in the early 1990s, where he and his classmates were forced to kneel on broom shafts for extended periods, stating, “It was barbaric and degrading.” Such testimonies underscore the urgent need for the inquiry to address these historical abuses.

The commission, led by Mr. Justice Michael McGrath, is expected to complete its work within five years. A survey will launch initially to help identify the scope of the inquiry, and a survivor engagement program will be established to inform the inquiry’s language and communication, as recommended by a previous inquiry.

When reached for comment, the Department of Education stressed the importance of conducting the inquiry in a timely manner, emphasizing that allegations of sexual abuse will be prioritized. However, they did not provide clarity on whether allegations of corporal punishment would be included in the investigation. A spokesperson noted that all reports concerning child protection are immediately forwarded to relevant authorities, including Tusla and An Garda Síochána.

Survivors continue to demand recognition for their suffering, urging that the inquiry not overlook the severe physical abuse that has scarred generations of students. As the commission gears up to begin its work by October 1, 2023, the call for justice remains loud and clear among those who have suffered in silence for far too long.

The urgency of addressing both sexual and physical abuse in schools cannot be overstated, as survivors await a full reckoning of their experiences. As this story develops, the voices of those affected remain at the forefront, advocating for a comprehensive inquiry that honors all forms of abuse endured in the Irish education system.

UPDATE: Survivors of abuse in the Irish education system are voicing outrage as the government excludes “barbaric” corporal punishment from a significant new inquiry into historical abuse in schools. This urgent demand comes just days after Minister for Education Helen McEntee announced the formation of a commission led by retired High Court judge Michael McGrath to investigate allegations of sexual abuse in Irish day and boarding schools.

The new commission, confirmed earlier this month, is set to focus solely on sexual abuse allegations, leaving many survivors and advocates feeling abandoned. They are calling for a comprehensive examination of the extreme physical violence that has scarred generations of children. The inquiry, which has a five-year time limit to complete its work, is scheduled to begin with a survey aimed at identifying the commission’s scope.

Survivors are expressing frustration that their painful experiences are being overlooked. One victim, a man in his 50s, stated, “It feels as if the Government has forgotten about our experiences.” He previously secured a conviction against a former Christian Brother and shared harrowing accounts of physical abuse in schools that occurred after 1982, the year when corporal punishment was banned in Ireland.

He recounted a chilling incident where a teacher violently smashed his arm onto a desk, saying, “Can you imagine the pain of that? My parents let me leave school after that.” His sentiments are echoed by others, who believe that the commission’s focus on sexual abuse is overshadowing the need to address the physical violence many endured.

Another survivor, recalling his time in school during the early 1990s, described the brutal treatment from a teacher who made students kneel on a sweeping brush for extended periods. “It was barbaric and degrading,” he asserted, emphasizing that such experiences should not be forgotten.

The inquiry has sparked significant debate, as the Scoping Inquiry revealed that many respondents felt the violence in schools “went beyond an acceptable level,” and that excessive disciplinary actions should be included in any future investigations. Survivors insist that the commission must address these historical abuses, particularly as many of them are intertwined with allegations of sexual abuse.

The commission is expected to launch a survivor engagement program, a step recommended by a previous inquiry to ensure that the language and content resonate with victims’ experiences. The Department of Education has been in communication with survivors, acknowledging their desire for a timely process as the commission tackles sexual abuse.

However, when questioned about the inclusion of corporal punishment in the inquiry, a spokesperson for the Department stated that they take child protection seriously and any reported concerns are forwarded to relevant authorities, including Tusla and An Garda Síochána. They emphasized that the Department has no statutory role in investigating historical abuse claims.

With the commission expected to finalize its setup by October 1, survivors are demanding action. They urge officials to acknowledge the full scope of abuse in the Irish educational system, which includes both sexual and physical violence. As the inquiry unfolds, the call for justice and recognition of these brutal experiences continues to grow stronger.

As this situation develops, it remains critical for the commission to address the multifaceted nature of abuse within schools, ensuring that all survivors are heard and validated. The emotional impacts of these injustices are profound, and the urgency for a comprehensive inquiry is paramount.

UPDATE: A man has tragically died suddenly in Victoria Park, located in east Belfast, early this morning, July 20, 2023. Authorities from the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) confirmed the incident, raising urgent concerns in the community.

According to a PSNI spokesperson, police were alerted to the man’s sudden death on Sunday morning. A post-mortem examination will be conducted to determine the exact cause of death, as no further details have been disclosed at this time.

In an official statement, the spokesperson stated:

“Police received a report of the sudden death of a man in the Victoria Park area of east Belfast. A post-mortem examination will take place in due course to establish the cause of death. There’s no further detail at present.”

This sudden occurrence in a public park has left the local community in shock, prompting many to seek answers about how such an incident could occur. The PSNI is actively investigating the situation, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

Residents and visitors to the park are urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities. The PSNI is committed to ensuring the safety and welfare of the public in light of this unexpected tragedy.

Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story, as the community seeks to understand the circumstances surrounding this incident.