27th November 2024
On 27 November 2024, Irish Penal Reform Trust (IPRT) Executive Director Saoirse Brady spoke to Newstalk Live presenter Andrea Gilligan about the chapel's closure in Mountjoy Prison.
Saoirse highlighted concerns about losing the multi-use space, which functions as an interfaith space, a recreational space, and includes a bereavement room. She noted the impact this will have on the people in prison and their families, particularly in the lead-up to the festive period. She said that video booths are important but they shouldn't be in replacement of other spaces and services. Saoirse questioned the impact of overcrowding as prisons are under pressure to provide court escorts and how we don't yet have the research on the impact of accessing justice over video.
The show also heard contributions from Gillian, who has experience of prison, Niall Spelman, former Assistant Prison Governor of Wheatfield Prison; and Michele Kerrigan, Executive Director of Care After Prison. Saoirse appears in the recording from 3.45 minutes in.
Respect for rights in the penal system with prison as a last resort.