Intent: Outline positive reforms implemented in response to the pandemic, reflect on how these reforms were achieved, and highlight the longer-term benefits to wider society so that these progressive reforms will be retained into the future.::Examine the ongoing challenges of prison and penal reform during a time of pandemic, with focus on four thematic areas: penal policy; prison conditions and regimes; prison health and mental health; and accountability.
Email invites to key stakeholders, including sending of 'Progress in the Penal System 2020' report. The report provides a comprehensive analysis of progress within the previous 12 months in meeting human rights in the Irish penal system. The 2020 report examined penal reform during the pandemic period, and positive learning for the future. PIPS 2020 also examines the ongoing challenges of prison and penal reform during a time of pandemic, with focus on four thematic areas: penal policy; prison conditions and regimes; prison health and mental health; and accountability. - EmailFollow up letter to the Joint Committee on Justice of the 33rd Dáil and the 26th Seanad, enclosing a copy of the PIPS 2020 report and outlining key recommendations and legislative priorities, including: Inspection of Places of Detention Bill; the Criminal Justice (Community Sanctions) Bill; and the Criminal Justice (Rehabilitative Periods) Bill 2018 [PMB], among others. - LetterOn 26 January 2021, IPRT launched Progress in the Penal System 2020 (or 'PIPS 2020'), the fourth in a series of annual reports benchmarking progress in Ireland's penal system. Secretary General of the Department of Justice delivered the keynote address, and Director General of the Irish Prison Service responded to the report. - Event / Reception
Intent: To highlight Law Society priority issues and draw attention to other items of interest in the areas of legislative, regulatory and structural reform
Intent: Promote compliance with the UN CRPD in the prison system::Ensure human rights and equality obligations under the Public Sector Duty are met::Eliminate discrimination and make rights real for people with disabilities in prison
Details: Making Rights Real for People with Disabilities in Prison
Event invitations and follow up dissemination of presentations and the research report. - EmailIPRT held a launch event for a new research report on the rights, needs and experience of people with disabilities in prison. Prisoners with disabilities are often discriminated against and still encounter inaccessible spaces and a lack of support within prison. The report includes a series of key recommendations that IPRT believes should be implemented in order to eliminate discrimination and make rights real for people with disabilities in prison. - Event / Reception
Intent: To provide evidence and support planning to mitigate against the worst effects of COVID-19 on already vulnerable and marginalized groups and communities
Details: CWI issued a submission developed jointly by a range of NGOs on the impact of COVID-19 on the most vulnerable groups and a planning framework to mitigate against the worst impacts
Both the submission and the planning framework were circulated to TDs, Senators, government departments and the NEPHT CoVID-19 Vulnerable Groups subcommittee - EmailOne follow-up virtual meeting was held with a TD - Virtual Meeting
Intent: On 25 October 2019, IPRT launched Progress in the Penal System 2019 (or 'PIPS 2019'), the third in a series of annual reports benchmarking progress in Ireland's penal system. The report provides a comprehensive analysis of progress within the previous 12 months in meeting human rights in the Irish penal system. The 2019 report emphasises the need for accountability in the penal system and the need for reforms in policy and practice in a range of areas, with a particular focus on prison healthc
Email invites to key stakeholders, including formal invitation to speak to the Director General of the Irish Prison Service. - EmailLaunch of Report on 25 October 2019, including keynote from Director General of the Irish Prison Service. Full report content available online at https://pips.iprt.ie/site/assets/files/Progress-in-the-Penal-System-2019.pdf - Event / ReceptionMailout of 'Progress in the Penal System 2019' report to key stakeholders. - Letter
Intent: Engagement on penal reform priorities incl. timely ratification of OPCAT, establishment of Consultative Council, resourcing of the Inspector of Prisons, increased use of community alternatives; decision on funding 2020-2022
Letter to Assistance Secretary, Michael Flahive (Department of Justice & Equality) send on 31/01/2019. - LetterMeeting with Senator Lynn Ruane on 21/01/2019 - Meeting
Intent: Encourage Ireland's ratification of the Protocol and establishment of the National Preventative Mechanism::Provide information about principles that should inform the legislation to establish OPCAT::Seek information on plans for further consultation with stakeholders, including those outside justice
Details: Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture (OPCAT)
Information about bodies that could take on role of coordinator within the National Preventative Mechanism, following ratification of the OPCAT. - EmailPhone call
