IPRT’s ‘grave concern’ after prisons reports
The Irish Penal Reform Trust (IPRT) has expressed “grave concern” at the findings of the inspection reports that it says highlight “the deplorable conditions” faced by people in custody in Ireland.
The organisation said that it knew that conditions had deteriorated further since the time of the inspections.
The reports outline findings from on-site inspections that took place at Mountjoy Prison, The Training Unit (Mountjoy), Cork Prison, Cloverhill, and the Dóchas Centre between November 2022 and throughout 2023.
The IPRT noted that the report had been published almost three years after the visits took place.
Independent oversight
Niamh McCormack (legal and public affairs manager, IPRT) said that the timing of the publications demonstrated the need for Office of the Inspector of Prisons to have the power to publish its own reports.
“At present, the timing and selection of reports for publication are controlled by the minister, which is clearly not consistent with an independent oversight function,” she stated.
The trust has called on the Minister for Justice to publish any outstanding reports that have not yet been released, in particular reports of Dóchas Centre inspections that were directed by the former minister after serious concerns raised by inspections.
‘Lock-back’ regime
“The inspection reports reveal concerns of mistreatment of prisoners – including the over-use of discipline and restrictive regimes, solitary confinement, and practices that undermine dignity, safety, and trust,” said McCormack.
“Many of these failings reflect systemic weaknesses, with insufficient safeguards, accountability, or oversight to protect vulnerable people in custody,” she added.
The IPRT expressed particular concern about a ‘lock-back regime at the Dóchas Centre, whereby women were either locked in their cells or in the yard for three-hour periods.
“While the report notes that changes were made following this incident, there is no clarity provided on what follow-up actions were taken in terms of accountability,” McCormack stated.
Critical issues outlined in the reports include poor prison conditions, mistreatment of prisoners, including the misuse or overuse of solitary confinement; poor relationships between staff and prisoners; inconsistencies in discipline; inadequate record-keeping and the absence of an effective complaints system.