Poverty, inequality increases risk of entering the criminal justice system - IPRT - RTÉ News
25th March 2026
In this online article, RTE journalist Ailbhe Conneely covered the launch of IPRT’s report From Punishment to Prevention: Poverty, Inequality and Pathways into the Irish Criminal Justice System, which highlights how poverty, disadvantage, and structural inequality increase the risk of people entering the criminal justice system.
Drawing on interviews, focus groups, and public engagement, the report shows how factors such as housing instability, trauma, unmet mental health needs, substance use, and survival-driven behaviour contribute to criminalisation. IPRT recommends redirecting investment from expanding the prison estate toward preventative measures, including secure housing, healthcare, youth work, education supports, and coordinated community-based alternatives to custody.
Read the article here.
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