20th February 2024
RTÉ covers the news of the publication of a report by the Office of the Inspector of Prisons (OIP) highlighting that mental health care needs are not being fully or satisfactorily met in any of the seven prisons it inspected, with conditions repeatedly being described as "degrading".
IPRT Executive Director, Saoirse Brady, comments in the RTÉ article:
"Saoirse Brady, said the report makes for "a sobering read".
"As mental healthcare in the community fails people who need treatment, what we're seeing is people with high-level healthcare needs inappropriately being placed in prison as supports and care are not available in the community."
She said the problem is adding to record levels of overcrowding in prison, but it is also compounding the issues faced by the prison system.
"From overstretched staff, people placed in overcrowded cells in unacceptable conditions, and pressures in accessing support services and healthcare," she said.
Ms Brady said there is a lack of opportunities to divert those who clearly need care in the community or a hospital away from the criminal justice system.
She said people with low levels of offending are being refused treatment in hospitals which would be a more appropriate response and swift action must be taken to address this.
"However, the Department of Justice cannot address all of these issues alone, the Department of Health has a clear and important role to play in addressing the unacceptable treatment of people with mental health issues who end up in the prison system," Ms Brady added."
The article includes comments from the Chief Inspector of the Office of Inspector of Prisons, Mark Kelly, and the Minister for Justice, Helen McEntee.
Respect for rights in the penal system with prison as a last resort.