Committee Reports > List of Committees > Dáil > 1986 > Select Committee on Criminal Lawlessness and Vandalism > Report No. 11 - Disturbance at Fort Mitchel prison, Spike Island on the 1st September 1985

Letter dated 19th September 1985 from the Private Secretary, Garda Commissioner to the Clerk to the Committee

APPENDIX B

19th September 1985.

Mr. F.J. Brady,

Clerk to the Select Committee on

Crime, Lawlessness and Vandalism.

Dear Sir,

I am directed by the Commissioner to refer to your letter of 12th September, 1985 regarding recent disturbances at Fort Mitchel Prison, Spike Island.

As you know the Gardai have no jurisdiction in the operation of Fort Mitchel Prison. As a result we are not in a position to supply any evidence as to what gave rise to the disturbances which erupted on 1st September, 1985.

For some time past as a result of lesser escapes from the prison, special Garda patrols were assigned to Spike Island in order to allay the fears of the civilian population on the island. Such patrols were, in fact, on duty there on the night in question.

The disturbances which occurred on Spike Island on the night of 1st September, 1985 were so sudden and of such a nature that the four Gardai on duty there were unable to cope with the situation and could do but little until Garda reinforcements arrived.

A Garda investigation is being carried out with a view to establishing if any criminal proceedings arising out of the disturbances should be instituted.

Yours faithfully,

PRIVATE SECRETARY.