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St Fanahan’s College students outside the Circuit Court in Cork.

By Emma Kenneally - 2nd Year, St Fanahan’s College

On 7th May, the 2nd year Civic, Social, Political Education (C.S.P.E) class from St Fanahan’s College, Mitchelstown visited Cork Prison and Cork Circuit Court as part of their Action Project.

In the Circuit Court we found out that it is mainly criminal and civil cases that take place there. The court building includes five holding cells which can hold up to 60 people at one time. Courts 1 and 2 still have original furniture dating from 1895. New technology is also present to allow the giving of evidence by video link etc. Some members of the class group were able to watch a court case in action. They learned that 500 people were called to jury duty that day but only 120 of them attended. Not attending for jury duty without a reasonable explanation can lead to prosecution.

After a lunch break the class made its way to Cork Prison. As they entered the prison students had to walk through metal detectors to make sure that they were not carrying any weapons. A tour of the Prison followed, which included the Visitors Room, where no physical contact is allowed unless authorised by the governor. Pupils also got to see the inside of a cell, which was very small and basic. In the prison there are 152 cells holding up to 3 prisoners in each. Students learned that 34.1% of the prisoners re-offend and end up back in prison within one year. The cost of detaining a prisoner is €58,000 each year. The prisoners stay in their cell from 7.30pm-8am every day. Prisoners can earn money by doing jobs within the prison; the money is credited to an account which can be spent in the prison shop. They can earn up to €18.80 a week.

The class also visited the prison gym and yard where prisoners played soccer and exercised. Different classes are also available such as wood work. Recreation is deemed important for detainees and footballs are regularly provided, as they often get caught on the wire surrounding the yards. Students were shown the prisoners revolving 28 day menu which aims to provide them with a good balanced diet.

The class found the visits to both the prison and court very interesting and informative. It helped put into perspective some of the topics studied during the year. The class is looking forward to its next trip away.

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