Irish Penal Reform Trust

Women in Detention

On average, women make up around 3.8% of the prison population, with a large number of committals concerning non-violent offences. Additionally, the majority are detained on short-term sentences. However, the impact of even short-term imprisonment on these women and their families is profound. The economic and social costs to society at large arising from the imprisonment of women are also significant.

In 2021, there were 487 women committed to prison, compared to 155 in 1999. The rate of female prison committals has risen more rapidly than for males since 2011. In addition, there continues to be significant numbers of women imprisoned for failing to pay court-ordered fines, despite the Fines (Payment and Recovery Act) 2014 which came into operation in January 2016. In 2021, 8% of female committals to prison were for non-payment of court-ordered fines – double the comparable figure for men (4%).

Major concerns remain in relation to overcrowding in both of the country’s female prisons – the Dóchas Centre and a female wing in Limerick Prison. The detention of women for immigration-related reasons is also a concern for IPRT. IPRT remains committed to working towards major policy change in relation to imprisonment of women in Ireland, with a central focus on the provision of alternatives to detention and open prison provision for women. 

England & Wales: Ministers predict dramatic fall in number of women in prison

2nd August 2009

An article in 'The Observer' reports on an increase in funding for alternative punishments for female offenders, and a drive to find ways of helping those women at risk of offending.

Working Notes: Women's Prisons in Ireland

31st December 2008

Links to a number of articles dealing with women in detention published in 'Working Notes', the Journal of the Jesuit Centre for Faith and Justice.

UK: Corston Report

13th March 2007

The influential Corston Report examined the issue of women behind bars, read the report and associated articles.

HSE Report – Hazardous Journeys to Better Places

31st March 2006

An eighteen-month study conducted on drug-using women admitted to The Dochas Centre has identified several key issues regarding their care before, during and after admittance.

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