Leitrim Councillors in Mountjoy (for visit)

Cathaoirleach of Leitrim County Council, Cllr Justin Warnock asked the Joint Policing Committee if a visit/fact finding trip for members could be arranged in the coming months to go see Mountjoy Prison. 

"I would like to see it myself and meet the staff because we all hear stories that it may not be that tough but I think it would be good for the public to get an overview of what the day-to-day life is like for these guys; that it's not a holiday camp."

Chief Superintendent Aidan Glacken said the Prison Service is an independent body to An Garda Síochána and noted there is a prison visiting committee. 

"It's a matter for yourselves. I've been in Mountjoy myself and know what it's like; not as a prisoner," he laughed. 

Cllr Enda Stenson added: "Imagine the heading; 'All the councillors from the Leitrim JPC in Mountjoy'."

Cllr Brendan Barry said he thought it would be a worthwhile trip. 

"From seeing what happens there, we could give opinions on how we thought things could be done differently. I hope to never see the inside of it as a prisoner," he laughed.