€2.2M to keep six of Ireland's most violent criminals behind bars

>> Round the clock attention >> Two hours daily exercise

- JOHN KIERANS and PAUL HEALY

THE state spent € 2.2 million in the past 12 months to keep six dangerously violent criminals locked up behind bars.

They are all being detained in the National Violence Reduction Unit which is housed in the Midlands Prison and require round-the-clock attention.

The Mirror has learned these prisoners are "Ireland's most violent inmates" Ceyln Eadon, Cabra murderer Larry Murphy, jailhouse killer Brian Veale, violent attacker Brendan Cummins, armed burglar Evan O'Keefe, and Cork attacker Trevor O'Sullivan, who has 77 previous convictions.

Justice Minister Helen McEntee said the unit was set up in 2018 to provide an enhanced psychological service to prisoners who are experiencing high levels of mental stress and display high levels of violence and disruptive behavior behind bars.

She stated: "The people who are accommodated in the NVRU present some of the most complex and challenging within the prison estate.

"They require an eclectic and intensive degree of psychological assessment, support and intervention in a controlled environment.