17th October 2024
Irish Penal Reform Trust notes the publication on 17 October 2024 by the Department of Justice and the Department of Health of the Irish Prison Service Health Needs Assessment First Progress Report (May 2023 – June 2024).
This is the first progress report on the implementation of the recommendations made in the Irish Prison Service Health Needs Assessment (HNA) which covers the period from May 2023 to June 2024. The reporting period has been aligned with other penal health-related reports for mid-year reporting to end June 2024. A Steering Committee comprising key stakeholders monitors progress on the HNA recommendations and report to the Minister for Justice and Minister for Health at six monthly intervals. Implementation of the HNA recommendations is led by the Irish Prison Service (IPS). The membership of the HNA Steering Committee comprises representatives from the Department of Justice (Criminal Policy and Criminal Governance functions), the Irish Prison Service, the Department of Health and the Health Service Executive. The group have met on two occasions to date.
This progress report covers updates in the following areas:
Read the Irish Prison Service Health Needs Assessment First Progress Report (May 2023 – June 2024).
Respect for rights in the penal system with prison as a last resort.