20th February 2024
The Irish Examiner writes about the publication of a report by the Office of the Inspector of Prisons (OIP) Thematic Inspection: An Evaluation of the Provision of Psychiatric Care in the Irish Prison System February – March 2023.
IPRT Executive Director, Saoirse Brady, comments in the Irish Examiner article:
"Irish Penal Reform Trust executive director Saoirse Brady said it makes for a sobering read stating: “As mental healthcare in the community fails people who need treatment, what we’re seeing is people with high-level healthcare needs inappropriately being placed in prison as supports and care are not available in the community.
"Not only is it adding to record levels of overcrowding in prison, but it is also compounding the issues faced by the prison system — from overstretched staff, people placed in overcrowded cells in unacceptable conditions, and pressures in accessing support services and healthcare."
Respect for rights in the penal system with prison as a last resort.