27th April 2017
IPRT welcomes recent initiatives by the Irish Prison Service to better support rehabilitation of prisoners, including the introduction of Independent Living Skills Units in Wheatfield Place of Detention.
In this context, IPRT regrets the imminent closure of the Training Unit semi-open facility on 1st May 2017. In principle, IPRT welcomes proposals for provision of ‘super-enhanced’ or lower security level accommodation in Mountjoy West. However, IPRT strongly believes such provision should be in addition to and not as a replacement for semi-open or open prison facilities. It is IPRT’s position that until alternative semi-open or open facilities are made available in the Dublin area, it would be preferable to make improvements to structure and management to keep the Training Unit open in the short-term.
Read IPRT's Position on Closure of the Training Unit here.
Respect for rights in the penal system with prison as a last resort.