Newstalk: Lunchtime Live - Does the Irish prison system work for women?
24th October 2024
On 24 October 2024, IPRT Executive Director Saoirse Brady spoke to Andrea Gilligan on Newstalk Lunchtime Live in response to the UK Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood saying that she believes “prison isn’t working” for women. Ms Mahmood pointed out how, after serving a short custodial sentence, a woman is “significantly more likely” to reoffend than one given a non-custodial sentence.
Saoirse confirmed that we are seeing similar trends for women in prison in Ireland. She spoke about alternatives to prison that will be suitable for many people and that result in better outcomes for everyone.
As part of the discussion, Gillian O'Donnell from Uisce - Advocacy Services For People Who Use Drugs In Ireland, reflected on the impact of imprisonment from her own experience as well as laying out solutions.
Related items:
- UN COMMITTEE CLEAR THAT THE STATE MUST TAKE URGENT ACTION TO ADDRESS ISSUES AROUND WOMEN IN PRISON
- Invitation to Tender: Rethinking Remand - Exploring current pre-trial detention practices and examining potential alternatives that protect individuals’ rights and reduce unnecessary detention
- RTÉ: Prison overcrowding 'extremely concerning', says Irish Penal Reform Trust
- RTÉ Prime Time: Young people who offend
- Liberties EU Rule of Law Report 2025
