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.
Visiting Committee Annual Reports 2017
11th March 2019
IPRT notes the publication of the 2017 annual reports from the Visiting Committees for each of Ireland's prisons.
Newstalk: Minister launches preliminary investigation into allegations of covert surveillance
23rd November 2018
IPRT Executive Director Deirdre Malone speaks to Newstalk Breakfast, responding to the Minister for Justice and Equality launching an investigation into serious allegations of alleged covert surveillance of prisons and prisoner transport.
IPRT calls on key bodies to work together to conduct thorough investigation of alleged covert surveillance in prisons and prisoner transport
22nd November 2018
ADVISORY: IPRT responds to allegations of the use of covert surveillance in prisons and prisoner transport, calling on key bodies to work together to conduct a thorough investigation into these allegations.
Statement of Principles on Legislation to Ratify the OPCAT
12th November 2018
This document outlines the minimum legislative requirements for any legislation intended to ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture.
Border Criminologies: HMIP Detention Monitoring Methodology
12th November 2018
Border Criminologies (University of Oxford) has published a briefing paper outlining the methodology used by HM Inspectorate of Prisons, coordinating body of the UK NPM.
The Detail: Call for independent inquiry after 206 prisoner deaths in 12 years
27th September 2018
IPRT calls for the Irish Prison Service to publish regular reports into deaths and incidents of near-deaths, self-harm, violence and assaults in prisons.
Letter: Minister Zappone should publish Oberstown report
11th August 2018
IPRT Executive Director Deirdre Malone penned a letter to the Editor of The Irish Times, calling on the Minister to publish the Operational Review of Oberstown.
OpEd: Ireland has not ratified a protocol to prevent torture in places of detention
8th August 2018
An OpEd by IPRT Executive Director Deirdre Malone in The Irish Times discusses Ireland’s failure to ratify OPCAT.
Irish Examiner: 'Inmate deaths lead to call for culture change'
7th August 2018
The Irish Examiner has reported on concerns highlighted by two previous prison inspectors around the accuracy of records being kept by prison officers.
Press Release: IPRT welcomes the appointment of new Inspector of Prisons
4th April 2018
Patricia Gilheaney has been announced as the new Inspector of Prisons, effective from 7 May 2018.
