On 10 February 2011 the Council of Europe's Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Degrading Treatment (CPT) published a report on its fifth visit to Ireland. The report was heavily critical of conditions of detention in Ireland. The assessment was carried out from 25 January- 5th February 2010, when the CPT visited prisons, psychiatric hospitals, Garda places of detention and one centre for persons with intellectual disabilities within the state.
The report highlighted the significant increase in number of persons being detained, since the last report, carried out four years ago. Issues included: the on-going practice of slopping-out; the inadequate investigation of complaints for prisoners; and allegations of racism against Travellers and non-nationals in prison detention.
Commenting on Mountjoy Prison, the CPT noted the lack of adequate psychiatric care given to prisoners; the high level of inter-prisoner violence; and the overall poor state of repair of the prison. In relation to St. Patrick's Institution, the State Juvenile Prison, the CPT addressed the high numbers of 23 hour lock-up protection.The report noted that efforts have been made to reduce incidents of ill-treatment by the Gardaí. The CPT advised that superior officers in the prison and police service remind their subordinates that ill-treatment towards prisoners is unacceptable.
To view the Government's response to the report please click here.
The Irish Penal Reform Trust has called on all election candidates to rectify the issues highlighted in the CPT report, Director Liam Herrick stating "The bottom line is that prisoners and the general public are left with a prison system that is unacceptable and which has exposed Ireland to international shame". Please click here to view the IPRT press release.
The Irish Council for Civil Liberties have also called on the incoming government to implement the recommendations outlined in the CPT report, Director Mark Kelly urging "An inter-departmental group must be given specific responsibility to ensure that the CPT's recommendations are implemented within a clear timeframe". Please click here to view the ICCL press release.