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.

Reform of Prison Visiting Committees is urgently needed

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.

UN Committee against Torture publishes list of issues prior to reporting

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.

Death in Custody Investigation Report published

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...

Human Rights and Detention in the time of COVID-19: UK and Ireland

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’.

Adapting to COVID-19: Prison Oversight and Monitoring During a Pandemic

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.

Accelerated action must be taken to reduce prisoner numbers in order to uphold minimum human rights and keep people safe – IPRT

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.

Office of the Ombudsman Submission for Party Manifestos

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.

ECtHR: Detention conditions and treatment of prisoners

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.

Joint Submission to the Operational Review of Oberstown Detention Campus

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.

IPRT response to actions taken by the IPS in relation to deaths in custody

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.

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