A visiting committee is appointed to each Irish prison under the Prisons (Visiting Committees) Act, 1925 and the Prisons (Visiting Committees) Order, 1925. Members of the 12 visiting committees are appointed by the Minister for Justice for a term not exceeding 3 years. The function of prison visiting committees is to visit, at frequent intervals, the prison to which they are appointed and to hear any complaints that may be made to them by any prisoner. The committees report to the Minister for Justice regarding any abuses observed or found, and any repairs which they think are urgently needed. Prison visiting committee members have free access, either collectively or individually, to every part of the prison to which their committee is appointed. Information from prison visiting committee reports relating to drug use in prisons for 2024 is summarised below.1

Mountjoy Prison, Dublin

In its report, the Mountjoy Visiting Committee noted that prisoners had complained about a lack of drug treatment services and long delays in getting to see a drugs counsellor. The Committee stated that Mountjoy’s Treatment and Recovery Programme had been spoken of positively by prisoners; however, difficulties of getting on a waiting list, and entry to the programme, were also frequently mentioned. The report stated that following detoxification, drug-free landings, occupational therapy and skills training along with psychological therapies are essential to the maintenance of positive mental health and well-being for prisoners. The Committee suggested that a lack of adequate staffing to provide drug and psychological treatment while in prison, coupled with the lack of community mental health and supportive housing services, may be contributors to a high level of reoffending and readmission to prison.

Wheatfield Prison, Dublin

The Wheatfield Place of Detention Visiting Committee’s report observed the continuing issue of illicit drugs being thrown over the prison perimeter wall, and that this was very disruptive and caused great stress to both prison staff and prisoners. As in previous reports, the Visiting Committee suggested that a more permanent plan/solution in dealing with the numerous State-owned lands at the back of the Prison could assist in drastically reducing drug throws. The Visiting Committee also suggested that there should be more strident support and counselling at Wheatfield Prison for those in addiction.

Cloverhill Prison, Dublin

In its report, the Cloverhill Prison Visiting Committee stated that the addiction counselling service team at Cloverhill is not large enough for the needs of the prison population. The Committee had heard that a high number of men who arrive in Cloverhill Prison are in what is regularly described as a ‘chaotic state’; many have complex issues, including addiction. The length of waiting time to see an addiction counsellor is frequently raised by prisoners. The Committee highlighted that it is vitally important that those seeking help for addiction issues are met with the necessary care and support. As the addiction service in Cloverhill is currently not adequately staffed to meet the level of demand, the Committee stated that an additional full-time post is urgently needed. 

Arbour Hill Prison, Dublin

The Arbour Hill Prison Visiting Committee’s report noted that Arbour Hill Prison remains fully committed to ensuring that the prison remains drug free. All prisoners are fully aware that they are expected to be 100% drug free, and access to the prison’s facilities and services depends on this. Random drug testing is part of the day-to-day routine at the prison.

Cork Prison, Co Cork

The Cork Prison Visiting Committee heard that the prison’s Post Release Project continued to work within a multi-agency setting alongside the Prison Service; Education; Probation; Irish Association for Social Inclusion Opportunities; and the Cork Alliance, Addiction, Psychology and Psychiatry Services. A significant component of the project is provided by Coolmine Community Addiction Services, which conducts the Here & Now programme within the prison once a month. This initiative enhances collaboration between the prison and residential/community addiction and mental health services, streamlining access to addiction assessments and counselling for prisoners upon their release.

Loughan House, Co Cavan

The Loughan House Visiting Committee heard that face-to-face addiction and counselling sessions are provided in Loughan House. Currently, there are two part-time addiction counsellors, while psychology services are provided by one part-time staff member

Shelton Abbey Prison, Co Wicklow

The Shelton Abbey Prison Visiting Committee’s report noted that the prison has a full-time addiction counsellor and that all prisoners are assessed on entry in order to ascertain whether they have current or previous addiction issues, and that they are offered one-to-one addiction counselling if required. The report noted that there were no waiting lists in Shelton Abbey Prison.

Portlaoise Prison, Co Laois

The Portlaoise Prison Visiting Committee heard that the prison has one addiction counsellor who attends two days a week, and that there is a long waiting list for this service. The Visiting Committee recommended that the hours be further increased in order to reduce the waiting list. The report also noted that prison staff are not adequately trained to supervise and deal with the many complex mental health issues some prisoners have, and that these prisoners would probably receive better treatment in a non-prison environment.

Midlands Prison, Co Laois

The Midlands Prison Visiting Committee was informed that in addition to addiction counselling services in the prison provided by Merchants Quay Ireland, there are now two additional nurses who work 8am to 5pm on a Monday to Friday basis.

1         Department of Justice (2025) Prison Visiting Committee annual reports 2024 [Arbour Hill Prison, Castlerea Prison, Cloverhill Prison, Cork Prison, Dóchas Centre, Limerick Prison, Loughan House, Midlands Prison, Mountjoy Prison, Portlaoise Prison, Shelton Abbey Prison, Wheatfield Prison]. Dublin: Department of Justice.