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.

Department of Justice Consultation: Review of Prison Visiting Committees

22nd August 2022

The Department of Justice is running a consultation (via survey) as part of its review of Prison Visiting Committees (PVCs). The deadline for completion of the survey has been extended to 22 August 2022.

IPRT Submission to the Department of Justice on the Review of the Prison Visiting Committees

22nd August 2022

The IPRT submission to the review makes eight overarching recommendations for reform.

IPRT Submission to the Joint Committee on Justice on the General Scheme of the Inspection of Places of Detention Bill 2022

5th August 2022

In total, the IPRT submission makes 36 recommendations on the Draft General Scheme of the Bill.

IPRT welcomes UN Human Rights Committee’s clear focus on key human rights issues impacting people in prison

27th July 2022

MEDIA RELEASE: IPRT welcomed the clear focus by the UN Human Rights Committee on issues pertaining to people deprived of their liberty including prison overcrowding, access to adequate mental healthcare, the failure to publish reports relating to the Dóchas Centre, the overrepresentation of Travellers in the penal system and the need to ratify OPCAT.

All-Party Oireachtas Group on Penal Reform meeting on women in prison

6th July 2022

The third meeting of the All-Party Oireachtas Group on Penal Reform took place on Wednesday 6 July 2022 in the AV Room of Leinster House. The focus of the meeting was the imprisonment of women.

IPRT welcomes the publication of the General Scheme of the Inspection of Places of Detention Bill

24th June 2022

IPRT statement on the publication of the General Scheme of the Inspection of Places of Detention Bill by the Minister for Justice on 24 June 2022.

Alternative Report on Ireland’s Fifth Review under ICCPR

30th May 2022

IPRT welcomed the opportunity to provide this alternative report to the UN Human Rights Committee on Ireland’s fifth review under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).

IPRT welcomes the appointment of new Inspector of Prisons

27th May 2022

MEDIA RELEASE: The Irish Penal Reform Trust (IPRT) has welcomed the appointment of Mark Kelly as the new Inspector of Prisons and has called on him to prioritise the frequency of prison inspections when he takes up his new role.

Publication of four further COVID-19 Thematic Inspection reports

29th April 2022

The final four reports on these Thematic Inspections were published on 28 April 2022, relating to Midlands Prison, Loughan House, Castlerea Prison and the Dóchas Centre.

Minister for Justice publishes Justice Plan 2022

28th March 2022

Minister for Justice Helen McEntee TD has published Justice Plan 2022, outlining 159 actions to continue building a justice system that works for everyone.

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Respect for rights in the penal system with prison as a last resort.

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