Conference 2015: Securing Accountability

Building effective prison monitoring, inspection, and complaints systems

IPRT hosted a major conference on accountability in the Irish prison system on Friday 27th November 2015 in the Spencer Hotel, Spencer Dock, Dublin 1.

Minister for Justice and Equality, Frances Fitzgerald TD opened the conference.

Monitoring and inspection of places of detention, as well as independent external mechanisms for the review of prisoners’ complaints and robust systems of investigation of deaths in prison custody, are central to the protection of human rights of prisoners and form part of Ireland’s obligations under international human rights law.

This timely examination of the current situation in Ireland, and the potential options for improving and strengthening accountability structures behind bars, was intended to contribute to ensuring that Ireland both meets and exceeds our obligations to protect human rights behind prison walls.

International speakers:

• Nick Hardwick CBE, Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Prisons
• Professor Malcolm Evans,Chair of the UN Subcommittee for the Prevention of Torture
• Professor Andrew Coyle, Emeritus Professor of Prison Studies in the University of London

Speakers from Ireland:

• Inspector of Prisons, Judge Michael Reilly
• Dr Mary Rogan, Head of Law, DIT
• Stephen Doyle, Director of Services, Care after Prison
• Deirdre Malone, Executive Director, Irish Penal Reform Trust

A panel discussion, chaired by Dr. Cormac Behan (University of Sheffield), included:

• Nick Hardwick CBE, Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Prisons
• Mr Fergal Black, Director of Care and Rehabilitation, Irish Prison Service
• Mr Noel Dowling, Principal, Prisons and Probation, Dept of Justice and Equality
• Dr Mary Rogan, Head of Law, DIT

Venue: Spencer Hotel, Spencer Dock, Dublin 1

Date: Friday 27th November, 2015

Time: 09.30 - 15.30