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.
27th May 2020
The Irish Penal Reform Trust notes the publication on 25th May 2020 by the Department of Justice and Equality of the 2018 annual reports from the Visiting Committees for each of Ireland’s prisons.
25th May 2020
In advance of Ireland’s third periodic hearing under the UN Convention against Torture, the Committee against Torture has requested information on a list of issues from Ireland. This was informed by submissions by civil society, including IPRT.
11th May 2020
On 8th May 2020, an Investigation Report into the death of Mr P (2018) by the Office of the Inspector of Prisons was published by the Department of Justice and Equality . Mr P was aged 47 when he...
29th April 2020
On 29th April 2020, IPRT co-hosted an international online seminar on ‘Human Rights & Detention in the time of COVID-19: UK and Ireland’.
22nd April 2020
The Network on External Prison Oversight and Human Rights has published a special issue newsletter focusing on prison oversight and monitoring during COVID-19. Experts in oversight and monitoring in places of deprivation of liberty have contributed to the issue, to share updates on how oversight roles are shifting during this pandemic.
15th April 2020
ADVISORY: Efforts to reduce the prison population must be ramped up in order to uphold minimum human rights standards of those in custody and protect the wider prison community from COVID-19.
21st January 2020
In its Submission for Party Manifestos, the Office of the Ombudsman has written of the need for the extension of its remit to cover prisoner complaints.
5th July 2019
The European Court of Human Rights has published a factsheet on detention conditions and treatment of prisoners outlines findings of inhuman and/or degrading treatment of prisoners.
31st May 2019
In December 2016, IPRT and four other NGOs concerned with the protection of the rights of children made a submission to the Operational Review of Oberstown outlining key operational issues from a children’s rights’ perspective.
24th April 2019
The Irish Examiner has today reported on the Irish Prison Service’s response to reports of inaccurate record-keeping in cases of deaths in custody.
Respect for rights in the penal system with prison as a last resort.