27th May 2015
The 2014 annual reports of Cork, Dóchas Centre, Midlands, Mountjoy, Shelton Abbey, St Patrick's Institution, Castlerea, Limerick, Loughan House and Arbour Hill Prison Visiting Committees have been published. [Annual Report for the Training Unit added 6 July 2015.]
IPRT remains concerned that the Prison Visiting Committee system does not adopt a standard approach to reporting, and that the level of detail and thoroughness in reports are inconsistent between Committees.
The Government has previously committed to reform of the Prison Visiting Committee system, both in the Programme for Government and in agreement on drafting of a General Scheme for an Inspection of Places of Detention Bill (May 2011). It is imperative that this legislation is progressed, to ensure that the Prison Visiting Committees contribute to a reliable and effective framework of prison monitoring and accountability.
Annual Reports 2014:
Respect for rights in the penal system with prison as a last resort.