REACTION:TRIBUTES HAVE been paid to Mountjoy Prison governor John Lonergan, who has announced his intention to retire from the position next month.
Fine Gael justice spokesman Charles Flanagan said Mr Lonergan had been “an outstanding prison governor” who made “a vital contribution to the criminal justice system”.
“He was both compassionate and humane, and worked consistently to steer Mountjoy through some very difficult times. His departure will be a significant loss to the prison system, particularly so soon after Kathleen McMahon’s decision to leave the Dóchas women’s prison.”
Labour Senator Ivana Bacik said Mr Lonergan had been “a powerful voice in support of the humane treatment of prisoners” who had “not been afraid to speak up on behalf of the marginalised and disadvantaged in our society”.
“I have always been impressed by his compassion and humanity, and his concern for those imprisoned in Mountjoy.
“It is to be hoped that this announcement will focus attention on the appalling conditions that still exist in Mountjoy Prison, with slopping-out still a reality and chronic overcrowding causing serious health and safety issues both for prisoners and, indeed, prison officers.
“It is disgraceful that prison conditions remain so poor after many years of recommendations for change.
“Governor Lonergan’s retirement should focus attention on the need to improve conditions within our prisons, and to ensure that prison is only used as a sentencing option of last resort,” Ms Bacik said in a statement.
Mr Flanagan said he would raise the “ongoing prison crisis” with Minister for Justice Dermot Ahern in the Dáil today, including the Minister’s plans to find replacements for Mr Lonergan and Ms McMahon.
A spokesman for Mr Ahern said the Minister “wishes him well in retirement”.
Mr Lonergan’s decision comes less than a month after his colleague in the woman’s prison, Kathleen McMahon, announced her decision to step down.