Accountability
IPRT campaigns for the positive transformation of systems of accountability and governance of the penal system in the area of inspection, complaints and monitoring.
We believe that structures and practices which support better accountability in the penal system should be introduced. These structures and mechanisms include: a properly resourced independent prisoner complaints system such as the Ombudsman; the introduction of domestic legislation to achieve the ratification of OPCAT; the strengthening of the Office of Inspector of Prisons and reform of the Prison Visiting Committees; and the establishment of a fully independent Prisons Authority on a statutory basis.
IPRT continues to articulate and promote a deeper appreciation of the concept and benefits of accountability in the penal system among relevant stakeholders.
Penal Reform International: Short Guide to the European Prison Rules
27th September 2021
In this short guide, the key requirements of the European Prison Rules are highlighted by Penal Reform International, with an asterisk (*) placed next to any rule that was brought in after the 2020 revision.
First prison inspection reports since the outset of the pandemic published – IPRT
3rd August 2021
MEDIA ADVISORY: Prison inspection reports warn that while restrictions in Irish prisons have limited the spread of COVID-19, a “sense of complacency” could be setting in across prisons, with the Office of the Inspector of Prisons voicing concerns that increased restrictions risk becoming “the new norm”.
Annual report on prisons shows some positives, but robust oversight is lacking – IPRT
30th July 2021
MEDIA ADVISORY: In response to this Annual Report, IPRT is calling for the Minister for Justice to publish all completed COVID-19 Thematic Prison Inspection reports and for the Irish Prison Service to publish prison census data.
UK: HM Inspectorate of Prisons publishes Annual Report 2020-21
20th July 2021
HM Inspectorate of Prisons has released its annual report on prisons in England and Wales for the year 2020-21, covering the year of the COVID-19 pandemic. Chief Inspector Charlie Taylor acknowledged that, for those living and working in prisons, this had been “a year like no other”.
Prison Chaplain Annual Reports 2020
5th July 2021
Common concerns were raised across these reports. These related primarily to COVID-19 and related restrictions, the numbers and treatment of people with mental health issues being held in prison, and insufficient staffing/resourcing of the Chaplaincy Service.
Office of the Inspector of Prisons COVID-19 Staff Survey: Initial Findings
2nd July 2021
The Office of the Inspector of Prisons (OIP) has published preliminary results from its COVID-19 Staff Survey, developed to capture prison staff experiences of working during the pandemic.
Urgent action needed on reform of prison complaints system, following third successive year of being classed as “unfit for purpose” by Inspector
11th June 2021
MEDIA ADVISORY: IPRT's response to the Office of the Inspector of Prisons Annual Report 2020. The Annual Report details a number of significant concerns about the current operation of the prison complaints system and repeats the view, similarly expressed in several previous reports, that the system is “unfit for purpose”.
UK: What Happens to Prisoners in a Pandemic
12th February 2021
This thematic review by HM Inspectorate of Prisons (HMIP) explores the effects of the restrictions introduced in prisons in England and Wales during 2020 in response to COVID-19.
Visiting Committee Annual Reports 2019
18th January 2021
Common issues echoed across various Visiting Committee annual reports for 2019 include: overcrowding, the use and impact of restricted regimes, visiting, the closure of schools/workshops due to staffing levels, and concerning levels of unmet mental health needs across the prison estate.
Office of the Inspector of Prisons Strategic Plan 2020-2023
12th January 2021
The Strategy sets out the vision for the Inspectorate from 2020 until the end of 2023, identifying the actions required to realise these.
