On average, women make up around 3.8% of the prison population, with a large number of committals concerning non-violent offences. Additionally, the majority are detained on short-term sentences. However, the impact of even short-term imprisonment on these women and their families is profound. The economic and social costs to society at large arising from the imprisonment of women are also significant.
In 2021, there were 487 women committed to prison, compared to 155 in 1999. The rate of female prison committals has risen more rapidly than for males since 2011. In addition, there continues to be significant numbers of women imprisoned for failing to pay court-ordered fines, despite the Fines (Payment and Recovery Act) 2014 which came into operation in January 2016. In 2021, 8% of female committals to prison were for non-payment of court-ordered fines – double the comparable figure for men (4%).
Major concerns remain in relation to overcrowding in both of the country’s female prisons – the Dóchas Centre and a female wing in Limerick Prison. The detention of women for immigration-related reasons is also a concern for IPRT. IPRT remains committed to working towards major policy change in relation to imprisonment of women in Ireland, with a central focus on the provision of alternatives to detention and open prison provision for women.
26th November 2012
Today the Prison Reform Trust in the UK launched a YouGov opinion poll which appears to demonstrate strong support for the use of health measures as an effective way to tackle women’s offending. The results coincide with the launch of PRT's own new strategy for reforming women's justice.
17th September 2012
A week long Special 'Independent' investigation on mothers in prison.
20th August 2012
Report by Howard League for Penal Reform suggests girls are 'pigeon-holed into a criminal justice system designed for the male majority'.
14th August 2012
Prison Reform International provides a checklist and guidelines for policy makers and practitioners in relation to UN Bangkok Rules.
14th August 2012
Overcrowded, unfit for purpose Corton Vale prison to be replaced with two new purpose-built units.
30th July 2012
A recent report from the National Resource Centre for Justice Involved Women (NRCJIW) in the United States outlines the main reasons why gender-specific criminal justice policies make sense.
3rd May 2012
A report recently published in Scotland provides a comprehensive overview of the distinct needs of women in detention, and provided a practical roadmap for radical and effective change.
12th January 2012
This report, published by 'Women in Prison' evaluates the different projects operated by the organisation, highlighting the positive outcomes of women specific support services.
14th October 2011
A joint report by the Inspectorate of Probation, Inspectorate of Prisons and the Crown Prosecution Service raises concern over the number of female offenders serving short term prison sentences and considers the extent to which non-custodial sanctions are being used in respect of female offenders in the UK.
22nd August 2011
Women offenders generally present a lower risk to society, yet high numbers are being sent to prison for non-violent offences. This Briefing outlines the current provisions for female prisoners in Ireland, with eight clear recommendations for change.
Respect for rights in the penal system with prison as a last resort.