1st September 2024
On 1 September 2024, the Irish Examiner reported that almost 3,000 prisoners were waiting for psychology and addiction services.
Irish Penal Reform Trust (IPRT) Executive Director Saoirse Brady responded to the figures. She said that the current situation in prisons is concerning as prison is inherently traumatic but is compounded when it is overcrowded.
The Irish Prison Service is failing to reach its own targets for the number of people who should be seen by a psychologist. In 2022, the target was 2,000 prisoners but just 1,303 people were seen. Last year, the target was raised to 2,200 but the real figure fell short once again with 1,627 prisoners seen in 2023.
IPRT is calling for further investment in prison services in the upcoming budget (Budget 2025) to resource prison psychology services and addiction counselling. There needs to be an investment of at least €1m in mental health and addiction services within the prison system to address some of those basic needs that people have.
Respect for rights in the penal system with prison as a last resort.