The cost associated with the practice of ‘slopping out’ in Irish prisons has reached €11,481,586 including compensation claims, according to the Minister for Justice.
The figures were revealed after Independent TD for Laois/Offaly, Carol Nolan submitted a parliamentary question on the issue.
Although the practice whereby prisoners were forced to relieve themselves in buckets placed within their cell is no longer widespread, it has cost the state €4,267,467 in compensation claims.
Legal costs arising from the practice have cost €7,038,981, while costs listed as ‘other’ associated with medical experts etc. have cost €175,139 to date.
The Department of Justice say that the Irish Prison Service is “dedicated to the elimination” of the practice and has moved to provide in cell sanitation facilities for prisoners.
A major refurbishment of MountJoy Prison in Dublin was completed in 2014 providing upgraded cell conditions and the installation of in cell toilets.
A new modern building was opened in Cork in 2016 “replacing the old prison facility”
The department says that a “major construction” was completed at Limerick Prison which has provided “new accommodation blocks for male and female prisoners along relevant rehabilitation and support facilities” ending the practice of ‘slopping out’ there.
It was also claimed that ‘only eight’ prisoners in the country, who are being held in Portlaoise Prison, are still forced to slop out “on a daily basis” as they do not have access to toilets within their cells.
Due to the “historical nature and conditions” of the building and the “low and reducing number” of prisoners held on E block it was concluded that the installation of in cell sanitary facilities is not feasible.