18th August 2014
The final five Prison Visiting Committee Annual Reports for 2013 were published by the Minister for Justice on 18th August 2014.
IPRT is concerned that the Prison Visiting Committee system does not adopt a standard approach to reporting, and that the level of detail and thoroughness of reports are inconsistent between Committees.
The Government has previously committed to reform of the Prison Visiting Committee system, both in the Programme for Government and in agreement on drafting of a General Scheme for an Inspection of Places of Detention Bill (May 2011). It is crucial that this legislation is progressed, and without delay, to ensure that the Committees contribute to a robust and effective framework of prison monitoring and accountability.
ANNUAL REPORTS 2013:
Published 18th August 2014
Published 30th April 2014:
Published 5th March 2014:
Respect for rights in the penal system with prison as a last resort.