Irish Examiner: Almost 3,000 prisoners waiting for psychology and addiction services
1st September 2024
On 1 September 2024, the Irish Examiner reported that almost 3,000 prisoners were waiting for psychology and addiction services.
Irish Penal Reform Trust (IPRT) Executive Director Saoirse Brady responded to the figures. She said that the current situation in prisons is concerning as prison is inherently traumatic but is compounded when it is overcrowded.
The Irish Prison Service is failing to reach its own targets for the number of people who should be seen by a psychologist. In 2022, the target was 2,000 prisoners but just 1,303 people were seen. Last year, the target was raised to 2,200 but the real figure fell short once again with 1,627 prisoners seen in 2023.
IPRT is calling for further investment in prison services in the upcoming budget (Budget 2025) to resource prison psychology services and addiction counselling. There needs to be an investment of at least €1m in mental health and addiction services within the prison system to address some of those basic needs that people have.
Related items:
- Report launch: Paying the Price – The Cost and Impact of Imprisonment on Families in Ireland
- Newstalk News
- Saoirse Brady Speaks to RTÉ on Deaths in Custody and Overcrowding Crisis following the publication of the Office of Inspector of Prison's Annual Report
- IPRT Responds to OIP Report Highlighting Record Deaths and Prison Overcrowding
- Press Release: IPRT calls for immediate action following the Office of the Inspector of Prisons’ publication of its Annual Report 2024 and Strategic Plan 2025-2029
