The Green Party launched their election manifesto, Towards 2030: A decade of change, volume II, on Tuesday 12 November 2024. Below, IPRT analyses relevant proposals contained in the manifesto.
Reduce overcrowding through the increased use of non-custodial sanctions for non-violent crimes. Community sanctions and models of restorative justice offer the dual benefits of lowering the numbers in our prisons while also reducing levels of recidivism.
This commitment closely aligns with IPRT’s long-standing advocacy for the promotion of non-custodial sanctions. This is a pragmatic commitment that not only aligns with evidence of what is effective in reducing reoffending, but would result in less cost to both the State and to communities. Furthermore, in recent public attitudes polling commissioned by IPRT, 81% of people in a nationally representative survey stated that it was important to them that the next government prioritise alternatives to prison for non-violent offences. Sustained resourcing and consistent implementation will be essential in order to fully realise this commitment.
Support the rollout of in-cell technologies to improve educational opportunities for prisoners.
Access to education is a key factor in reducing recidivism, and technology can make learning resources available to prisoners who might otherwise face barriers to participation. IPRT acknowledges the work of the Irish Prison Service (IPS) and Education and Training Board (ETB) partners to roll-out and provide in-cell technologies in recent years. By ensuring that modern in-cell technology is available to all people in prison, this initiative can address longstanding barriers to educational access. However, political focus on prison education should ensure that sufficient resourcing is available for both staffing and capital to enhance education centres to prevent reliance on in-cell technology.
Explore the use of the ‘house of detention’ model for building in extra capacity to the system.
IPRT believes this model could be beneficial if it is developed with a clear commitment to humane conditions, meaningful programming, and pathways for progression out of the justice system. Smaller detention houses would address issues of geographical accessibility, which has been previously recognised by the Irish Prison Service as a challenge for the current “sub-optimal location” of current open or low security centres. However, IPRT is concerned about the use of what could be a person-centred approach that challenges the concept of traditional prisons being used as a tool to add additional capacity to the system.
In 2018, the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Justice, noted the evidence that “smaller prisons are more effective” and recommended that future construction of spaces should be “organised around self-contained units” and that future infrastructural development should be “innovative, community-based”.
For more on detention houses, visit RESCALED – European Movement for Detention Houses.
Reduce the numbers of people held on remand, starting with a pilot programme supporting bail service for women prisoners.
Recognition of the need to reduce the high number of people on remand (pre-trial detention) is welcome. Women on remand often face unique vulnerabilities, and pre-trial detention disrupts families and communities while imposing significant costs on the State. A bail support programme that provides practical support in compliance with bail conditions would help women avoid unnecessary detention and offers a more humane approach. This commitment to a pilot programme aligns with IPRT’s election manifesto priorities, and the Department of Justice’s work on scoping the development of a women’s supported bail service. IPRT understands that consideration of a scheme is at a very early stage.
Continue to improve circumstances for those working and living in the Irish Prison System by supporting the prison psychology and counselling services and by piloting a dual diagnosis programme.
The treatment of people with mental health issues has been deemed among the “most pressing issues within Irish prisons”. As such, a political commitment in this area is much needed and welcomed. IPRT commends the commitment to improving mental health services within the prison system, particularly the commitment to piloting a dual diagnosis (the occurrence of a mental health condition alongside substance misuse) programme in prison. This was recommended by the High Level Task Force in 2022, and the HSE and the Irish Prison Service are working to roll-out a pilot in Cork Prison in 2025, after securing funding in Budget 2025.
Expedite the legislation necessary to ratify the Optional Protocol on the Convention on Torture.
The ratification of the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture (OPCAT) would be a crucial step forward in the protection of rights through the provision of independent oversight of all places where people may be deprived of their liberty, including prisons, psychiatric facilities, nursing homes, and Garda stations. While we support the legislative action proposed, as highlighted in our election manifesto priorities, IPRT reminds all parties that OPCAT can be ratified immediately and make a declaration postponing the implementation of their obligations, as allowed under Article 24 of the Protocol. This would provide a clear timeline for ensuring the legislation is implemented within the lifetime of the new government and would signal a real commitment to accountability.
See a dedicated section of the IPRT website on the ratification of OPCAT.
Expand the Garda Youth Diversion Programmes to include those aged 18-24.
IPRT fully supports the proposal to increase the age limit for the application to the Garda Youth Diversion Programme to 24. A significant body of international research shows that young adults are more at risk of becoming involved in offending behaviour, and that prison is often an inappropriate and counterproductive means of dealing with young adults. Interventions and good practice that have proven successful in the Irish youth justice system should be extended to young adults aged 18-24. This aligns with recent and ongoing work by the Department of Justice to consider diversion options for this age cohort.
See IPRT’s submission to the Department of Justice consultation on diversion for young adults (2023)
Additionally, the manifesto notes a broad commitment to an ‘end-to-end programme of modernisation of the entire justice system’ that ensures those interacting with the system including those “visiting a relative in prison […] can benefit from a 21st century justice system that treats the public with dignity and respect”. This broad commitment to modernisation is a welcome approach, and IPRT welcomes the acknowledgement of those who visit our prisons in a political manifesto. The recognition of the interactions that people have with the justice system reflects a people-centred, progressive outlook that IPRT fully supports.
For IPRT’s 10 Priority Proposals for General Election Manifestos 2024, click here.
Respect for rights in the penal system with prison as a last resort.