Alternatives to CustodyAlternatives to Custody
Ireland systematically overuses imprisonment as punishment. While the average prison population on any given day in Ireland is close to the European average, the rates of committal to prison on sentence – the ‘flow’ of prisoners through the system – means that Ireland is one of the most punitive criminal justice systems in Europe.
Additionally, the majority of people are sent to prison for short term sentences, often for less than 6 months. Significant numbers of those who are sent to prison are committed there for non-violent offences such as fine default. Irish prisons are chronically overcrowded, and many prisoners who are sent to prison could be dealt with using non-custodial means.
IPRT believes that the best way of limiting the use of imprisonment in Ireland is the development of an integrated system of alternatives to custody. Alternatives to custody could include the wider use of suspended sentences, community service orders, etc.
In 2006, Business in the Community in association with IPRT published a report by Máiread Seymour on such alternatives. The recommendations are given below.
IPRT continues to work towards the implementation of these recommendations and towards the re-positioning of the criminal justice system in Ireland in favour of alternatives to custody, with the sanction of imprisonment imposed as last resort.
UK: 'Community or Custody: Which Works Best?' (Final Report) 12th September 2011
Make Justice Work have today published the findings of the National Enquiry, set up to investigate the efficacy and cost of short term prison sentences versus robust community based alternatives for low-level offenders. Read more
(UK) Restorative Justice: Time for Action 8th September 2011
The Criminal Justice Alliance (CJA) welcomes the commitment set out in the Governments recent response to the 'Breaking the Cycle' consultation to use restorative justice interventions at each stage of the justice system. Read more
MEDIA ADVISORY: IPRT welcomes passing of Community Service Order legislation 28th July 2011
IPRT has today welcomed the passing of the 'Criminal Justice (Community Service)(Amendment)(No. 2) Bill 2011' through both Houses of the Oireachtas; this brings IPRT's vision of a penal system where imprisonment is used only as a last resort closer to reality. Read more
US: Drug Courts success in reducing drug taking and crime 19th July 2011
A large study of Drug Courts in the United States has shown the success of the Courts in reducing both drug taking and crime. Read more
Italian residential facility for drug addiction offers offenders a chance to learn new trades as an alternative to prison 5th May 2011
San Patrignano, an Italian residential facility for drug addiction, offers offenders convicted of drug-related crimes rehabilitation and professional training in the community instead of imprisonment. Read more
IPRT Briefing: Criminal Justice (Community Service) (Amendment) (No.2) Bill 2011 23rd March 2011 
A short analysis of the Community Service Bill which will be discussed in the Dáil on 24th March 2011. IPRT welcomes the Bill from the new Minister for Justice, Mr.Alan Shatter. Read more
Community Service Bill back in Dáil: Second Stage 21st March 2011
The Criminal Justice (Community Service)(Amendment)(No. 2) Bill 2011 is tabled for consideration by the Dáil on Thurs, 24th March. IPRT has previously welcomed this new legislation which brings our vision of a penal system where imprisonment is used only as a last resort closer to reality. Read more
(UK) Community or Custody - which works best? A National Enquiry 8th March 2011
Make Justice Work has commissioned a National Enquiry to investigate and compare the value and efficacy of short-term prison sentences and community based alternatives to custody. Read more
IPRT welcomes publication of Criminal Justice Bill 12th January 2011
The legislation, published today, will require the courts to consider imposing a community service order for minor offences where it would otherwise be appropriate to sentence the offender to imprisonment for a period of up to six months. Read more
Reforming community sentences: Mending the weak link in the sentencing chain. 25th November 2010
The Policy Exchange has released a rather damning report on the current position and success of community sentences within England and Wales, suggesting a broad overhaul and reorientation. Read more