22nd March 2017
The Council of Europe have published their Report: SPACE I Annual Penal Statistics in Europe for 2015, containing a detailed breakdown of penological trends across Europe. The questionnaires used for data collection are designed to allow the maximum comparability between Member States of the Council of Europe (CoE). The participation rate in the 2015 SPACE I Survey was 87%: 45 out of the 52 Prison Administrations of the 47 Member States of the Council of Europe answered the questionnaire.
The following represent some of the key statistical data from a European perspective:
The following represent some of the key statistical data from an Irish perspective:
One of the most controversial findings of the SPACE I report in an Irish context is the cost of €2,773.38 to house a juvenile prisoner for one day. This was by far the highest figure across Europe and compared to €897.65 in Northern Ireland, €303.48 in England and Wales and a Europe-wide average of €283.58. However, this figure includes capital expenditure and the amount relates to 2014 when significant work was being carried out to upgrade facilities in Oberstown. The cost of providing a space per year in Oberstown children detention school campus in 2016 was approximately €340,000 (at full occupancy), which is €930 per day and in line with Northern Ireland costs.
Reports:
Media:
Respect for rights in the penal system with prison as a last resort.