Access to Rights for People Detained in Secure Forensic Mental Health Facilities in Ireland

25th October 2022

The Irish Penal Reform Trust launched an independently commissioned scoping study on access to rights for people detained in secure forensic mental health facilities in Ireland on Tuesday 25 October 2022. Access to Rights for People Detained in Secure Forensic Mental Health Facilities in Ireland was supported by the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (IHREC) under the Human Rights and Equality Grant Scheme 2021-2022.

There has been limited examination of how the human rights of individuals are met before, during and after a period in secure forensic mental health facilities, and there is relatively little known about the experience of professionals who support these people during their transition between prisons and designated centres, and the specific challenges they come up against. This scoping study sought to bridge that gap by conducting exploratory research that identifies the applicable rights frameworks and sectoral duties in play, and lays the ground for further research and advocacy as needed. The scoping study was commissioned by IPRT from the Centre for Disability Law and Policy at the University of Galway. 

Initial actions that pave the way for wider reform are outlined in the 17 recommendations made in the study.

Read the report in full here.

This project is supported by the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission, under the Human Rights and Equality Grants Scheme 2021-22.