Health in Prison
IPRT believes that responsibility for the provision of healthcare should be transferred from the IPS to the HSE. In addition to this, IPRT believes that those with mental illness should be diverted away from the criminal justice system and should be treated within a community setting, where possible.
This section includes posts on health in prison, including mental health and drug policy.
‘Unacceptable’ conditions for mentally ill prisoners
11th July 2018
IPRT Executive Director Deirdre Malone speaks to Irish Legal News in response to an Irish Times article reporting on conditions for mentally ill prisoners.
IPRT Presentation to the Joint Committee on the Future of Mental Health Care
23rd May 2018
In our appearance before the Committee, IPRT made a number of recommendations, including investment and use of prevention and early intervention supports.
'Mental Illness in Irish Prisoners'
14th November 2017
'Mental Illness in Irish Prisoners: Psychiatric Morbidity in Sentenced, Remanded and Newly Committed Prisoners' (Kennedy et al., 2005) was the first systematic and representative survey of mental health in the Irish Prison population.
The Irish Times: 'High levels of hepatitis C uncovered among prisoners and homeless'
23rd August 2017
An article in today's Irish Times on an innovative new Hepatitis C screening programme at Mountjoy Prison, whose success could be replicated elsewhere.
National Drugs Strategy: 'Reducing Harm, Supporting Recovery 2017 – 2025’
17th July 2017
The “Reducing Harm, Supporting Recovery – a health led response to drug and alcohol use in Ireland 2017-2025” strategy sets out the Government’s response to addressing the harm caused by substance misuse in society over the next eight years.
Inspector of Prisons Report: Healthcare in Irish Prisons
22nd February 2017
IPRT welcomes the Review of Prison Healthcare cited by Tánaiste Frances Fitzgerald on the publication of the report 'Healthcare in Irish Prisons' on 21st February 2017.
UK: Harm & Evidence Research Collaborative (HERC): 'Prison is not a safe place for people with mental health problems'
6th February 2017
Article by Deborah H. Drake and David Scott of The Open University, which states that for those living in extreme environments, such as prison, it becomes difficult to draw a line between mental well-being and diagnosable mental illnesses.
UK Report: ‘Rebalancing Act’, a resource for Directors of Public Health, Police and Crime Commissioners and other users
12th January 2017
A report which examines the direction to be taken to improve healthcare provision for those who have involvement in the Criminal Justice System in the UK.
Review of Drug and Alcohol Treatment Services for Adult Offenders in Prison and in the Community
20th December 2016
The Probation and Prison Services have published an independent review of the drug and alcohol treatment services available to offenders. The review was done by Anne Clarke and Anne Eustace and published on 20th December 2016.
First Interim Report of the Interdepartmental Group to examine issues relating to people with mental illness who come in contact with the criminal justice system
21st September 2016
The Department of Justice & Equality has published the First Interim Report of the Interdepartmental Group to examine issues relating to people with mental illness who come in contact with the criminal justice system.
