Irish Penal Reform Trust

Accountability

IPRT campaigns for the positive transformation of systems of accountability and governance of the penal system in the area of inspection, complaints and monitoring.

We believe that structures and practices which support better accountability in the penal system should be introduced. These structures and mechanisms include: a properly resourced independent prisoner complaints system such as the Ombudsman; the introduction of domestic legislation to achieve the ratification of OPCAT; the strengthening of the Office of Inspector of Prisons and reform of the Prison Visiting Committees; and the establishment of a fully independent Prisons Authority on a statutory basis.

IPRT continues to articulate and promote a deeper appreciation of the concept and benefits of accountability in the penal system among relevant stakeholders.

Prison Chaplain Annual Reports 2019

4th January 2021

The Prison Chaplain Annual Reports for 2019 have been published by the Irish Prison Service. Most of these reports cover the 2019 calendar year, with some of the reports covering the period up to March...

IPRT statement on a death in Cloverhill Prison

29th September 2020

It is understood through media reports that the deceased became unresponsive following the use of control and restraint techniques by a number of prison staff. While the Office of the Inspector of Prisons will investigate the death, IPRT underlines that robust procedures, resources and a legislative basis must be in place to enable the Inspector of Prisons carry out these investigations effectively.

Reported Treatment of Prisoners and Chaplaincy in Dóchas Centre Alarming

25th September 2020

MEDIA ADVISORY: A joint statement from the Irish Penal Reform Trust and the Jesuit Centre for Faith and Justice in response to reports in the national press about the culture and environment endured by female prisoners and staff in the Dóchas Centre at Mountjoy.

A Framework for the Inspection of Prisons in Ireland

15th September 2020

A brief summary of the Office of the Inspector of Prisons' new Framework for the Inspection of Prisons in Ireland.

Independence of prison inspections must be supported in legislation and resourcing – IPRT

15th September 2020

MEDIA ADVISORY: The Irish Penal Reform Trust has welcomed the launch of ‘Inspection Framework for Prisons in Ireland’ by the Minister for Justice Ms Helen McEntee TD, but called for increased resourcing of the Office of the Inspector of Prisons, and for laws that allow the Inspector of Prisons to publish reports directly and not through the Minister for Justice.

IPRT Submission to Oireachtas Special Committee on COVID-19 Response

9th September 2020

IPRT was invited by the Oireachtas Special Committee on COVID-19 Response to make a submission on how the State's legislative framework contributed to the response to COVID-19 and how the legislative framework might be improved upon.

Failure to transfer terminally-ill prisoner urgently to hospital may have amounted to inhuman and degrading treatment – IPRT

14th August 2020

MEDIA ADVISORY: IPRT is gravely concerned at the delay experienced by a terminally-ill prisoner, who subsequently died, in accessing urgent emergency medical care. The failure to bring the man, who was in severe pain, urgently from Midlands Prison to hospital in June 2018 is described as a “major failing” by the Inspector of Prisons in a report (published Wednesday 12th August 2020).

Findings on ‘cocooning’ in prisons must be acted on now to protect mental health and dignity of men and women in prison – IPRT

29th July 2020

MEDIA ADVISORY: A briefing detailing the experiences of people cocooning in Irish prisons published today (29.07.2020) by the Office of the Inspector of Prisons demonstrates the need for enhanced prison oversight and the longer-term ineffectiveness of COVID-19 responses that rely on prolonged confinement in prisons.

The relationship between civil society and the NPM: UK and Ireland

26th June 2020

This webinar brought together international experts and local actors with a joint focus of sharing knowledge and practice on how to build positive relationships between civil society and National Preventative Mechanisms (NPMs) under the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture (OPCAT).

APT and ODIHR: Monitoring Places of Detention through the COVID-19 pandemic

4th June 2020

People detained prior to the pandemic have seen their rights restricted further and are exposed to greater health risks. This new practical guidance from the APT and ODIHR details how these who monitor places of detention can continue their monitoring functions during COVID-19.

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