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.
9th March 2022
IPRT notes the publication of the first Visiting Committee reports that relate to the pandemic period.
7th February 2022
MEDIA ADVISORY: In publishing the fifth edition of PIPS, IPRT finds that the penal system – in some key areas of practice – has regressed over the last five years. We called for reforms in custodial sentencing policy so that prison is used as a last resort.
7th February 2022
Progress in the Penal System 2021 (or 'PIPS 2021'), the fifth in a series of annual reports benchmarking progress in Ireland's penal system.
14th January 2022
A new UK report entitled “Protecting lives: a cross-system approach to addressing alcohol and drug-related deaths within the criminal justice system” presents the joint findings of the Independent Advisory Panel on Deaths in Custody (IAPDC) and the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) on alcohol and drug-related deaths in the criminal justice system.
21st December 2021
This prison staff survey complements the COVID-19 Thematic Inspections and focuses on the perspective of both staff working in and managing prisons.
20th December 2021
The Irish Penal Reform Trust (IPRT) has welcomed the publication of the Office of the Inspector of Prisons’ COVID-19 Thematic Inspection reports. The reports are based on short visits by the Inspectorate to Arbour Hill Prison, Cork Prison, Portlaoise Prison and Shelton Abbey Open Centre.
12th November 2021
IPRT summarises the recommendations relating to the work of IPRT made by States during the review, following the adoption and publication of the Draft Report on Friday 12th November.
10th November 2021
PRESS NOTICE: Ireland’s human rights record, including its failure to ratify international human rights treaties and its treatment of people in prison, will be examined by the UN Human Rights Council Working Group as part of Ireland’s third Universal Period Review (UPR) from 13.30 today.
8th November 2021
The closing date for applications to the post of Inspector of Prisons (Chief Inspector) is 3pm Thursday 18 November 2021.
7th October 2021
IPRT was one of the civil society organisations chosen to make a statement at the pre-session meeting of Ireland’s UN Universal Periodic Review (UPR) on 7th October 2021.
Respect for rights in the penal system with prison as a last resort.