Inmates in Dublin prisons committed over 30,000 rule breaches since 2022, with Cloverhill Prison having the most.
Prison staff also got disciplined for misconduct. This happened 561 times during that period. Cloverhill Prison broke the most rules, with 8,886 incidents needing discipline.
Last month, 322 incidents occurred there alone. Wheatfield Prison followed with 6,281 breaches. Mountjoy Prison had 5,031 reported incidents.
The Dóchas Centre had 1,131 rule breaches. Inmates breaking rules lose privileges like phone calls or visits. Gym or tuck shop access could be denied too.
Serious acts reduce remission, making an inmate stay in prison longer. Staff misconduct can affect their job. They can face Civil Service code sanctions, such as timekeeping or absences.
Serious misconduct includes theft, assault, fraud, or stolen funds. Disciplinary actions rely on the misconduct. They can give verbal warnings or fire employees.
Most staff disciplinary issues involve attendance, I learned. Arbour Hill, the national center for sex offenders, had the fewest inmate breaches.
Only 63 incidents led to discipline there since 2022. Shelton Abbey open prison reported only 200, which was the next lowest number.