27th September 2024
Irish Penal Reform Trust (IPRT) believes that now, more than ever, is the time for strategic investment that will not only address current pressures but also lay the foundation for a more just and equitable system in the future.
We put forward six asks for Budget 2025 in our pre-Budget submission. These asks call for investment that would go towards addressing the unmet need in mental health and addiction support, reducing pre-trial detention (remand), providing more alternatives to prison, enhancing accountability, supporting families of people in prison and preventing homelessness. You can read the pre-Budget submission asks here.
Why this matters: Addressing mental health and addiction within the criminal justice system is not only the right thing to do in response to people in crisis, it is also a matter of public safety. Effective treatment reduces recidivism, improves outcomes for individuals and their families, and ultimately eases the burden on the prison system.
Why this matters: Reducing reliance on pre-trial detention aligns with the principle of presumption of innocence and offers a more humane and cost-effective approach to managing people who are awaiting trial. It also allows people to maintain community ties, employment, and access to services, which are all protective factors against reoffending.
Why this matters: Investing in alternatives to imprisonment is a smart economic and social strategy. Restorative justice and other community-based interventions are less costly than imprisonment and have a stronger track record in reducing recidivism. They also allow for more personalised responses to crime that can address its root causes.
Why this matters: Effective implementation of the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture (OPCAT) is essential for protecting the rights of people who are deprived of their liberty, who are among the most vulnerable people in our society. Proper resourcing will ensure that the bodies making up the National Preventive Mechanism (NPM) are equipped to carry out their role without compromise, providing oversight that is both thorough and credible.
Why this matters: Supporting family connections during imprisonment is vital for promoting rehabilitation and reintegration. It can also better meet the needs of thousands of children and uphold their right to maintain a relationship with their parent in prison. We know that this type of separation can have lifelong impacts on their wellbeing. By investing in family contact, we can help break the cycle of offending, create more stable communities and support families all around Ireland.
Why this matters: Stable housing is a cornerstone of successful reintegration and reducing recidivism. Investing in housing solutions for people who have been in contact with the criminal justice system not only supports their transition back into society for those leaving prison but also has broader benefits for public safety and community well-being.
Respect for rights in the penal system with prison as a last resort.