An Introduction to The An Introduction to The Irish Prison SystemIrish Prison System

Based on the findings of Based on the findings of the Jesuit Centre for Faith the Jesuit Centre for Faith

and Justice report first and Justice report first published in 2012published in 2012

Introduction to the Irish Prison Introduction to the Irish Prison SystemSystem

Rising Prison PopulationRising Prison Population Worsening ConditionsWorsening Conditions OvercrowdingOvercrowding Doubling up on cell spaceDoubling up on cell space Extra pressure put on Service Extra pressure put on Service

ProvidersProviders Limits time out of cellsLimits time out of cells

Socio Economic BackgroundSocio Economic Background High numbers of prisoners come from areas with High numbers of prisoners come from areas with

a lot of social and economic difficulties.a lot of social and economic difficulties.

Many lack literacy, training or educational Many lack literacy, training or educational qualifications.qualifications.

Many suffer from mental illness.Many suffer from mental illness.

Others have drug/alcohol addictionsOthers have drug/alcohol addictions

Homeless issuesHomeless issues

Over representation of the travelling communityOver representation of the travelling community

Age ProfilesAge Profiles

2/3 of all committals are aged between 21-2/3 of all committals are aged between 21-3939

Total of 221 prisoners are under 18 Total of 221 prisoners are under 18 (children the law)(children the law)

1,581 over the age of 18 but under 211,581 over the age of 18 but under 21 Over 5% aged 50 and overOver 5% aged 50 and over 120 prisoners are over 60120 prisoners are over 60 82 are between the ages of 60-7082 are between the ages of 60-70 16 are between 70-8016 are between 70-80 Over 4 are over 80Over 4 are over 80

Women in Irish PrisonsWomen in Irish Prisons

There is also a high rise in this category There is also a high rise in this category

In 2010 there were 1,701 committalsIn 2010 there were 1,701 committals

The majority of these were aged between The majority of these were aged between 21-3921-39

Women are imprisoned in the Dochas Centre Women are imprisoned in the Dochas Centre (part of the Mount joy Complex in Dublin) (part of the Mount joy Complex in Dublin) and in E wing in Limerick Prisonand in E wing in Limerick Prison

The PrisonsThe Prisons

December 2010December 2010 14 Prisons14 Prisons 4,313 prisoners4,313 prisoners There are a range of prisons in There are a range of prisons in

IrelandIreland High Security, Medium Security, High Security, Medium Security,

Open Prisons and the Training UnitOpen Prisons and the Training Unit Each are unique in their own wayEach are unique in their own way

MountjoyMountjoy

For menFor men

Population 590Population 590

Education available for about 80 Education available for about 80 prisoners along with workshops and prisoners along with workshops and training facilitiestraining facilities

Cork PrisonCork Prison For menFor men

Population 259Population 259

Purpose built education unit that facilitates a Purpose built education unit that facilitates a broad range of practical and academic subjects.broad range of practical and academic subjects.

Also several workshopsAlso several workshops

Very good post release services in education, Very good post release services in education, housing and addictionhousing and addiction

Limerick PrisonLimerick Prison For men and womenFor men and women

Population 300 men and 30 womenPopulation 300 men and 30 women

Key issue in Limerick Prison is segregation . It is rife and Key issue in Limerick Prison is segregation . It is rife and constricting.constricting.

Fairly new purpose built education Unit .Fairly new purpose built education Unit .

It consists of 2 floors with classrooms for art, craftsIt consists of 2 floors with classrooms for art, crafts Ceramics, computers, home economics, academic classes, Ceramics, computers, home economics, academic classes,

a music studio, and a library.a music studio, and a library.

The same building also houses on separate floors, a gym The same building also houses on separate floors, a gym and sports hall and a medical unit.and sports hall and a medical unit.

Subjects on offer in LimerickSubjects on offer in Limerick English (state/vocational exam levels plus literacy training)English (state/vocational exam levels plus literacy training) Maths (state/vocational exam levels)Maths (state/vocational exam levels) Home EconomicsHome Economics LanguagesLanguages MusicMusic ComputingComputing Health and Drug AwarenessHealth and Drug Awareness Woodwork workshopWoodwork workshop ArtsArts Business/accountingBusiness/accounting CeramicsCeramics CalligraphyCalligraphy CraftsCrafts HistoryHistory Tai ChiTai Chi YogaYoga Health and FitnessHealth and Fitness Physical EducationPhysical Education

Impediments to deliveryImpediments to delivery

Segregation of wings and within Segregation of wings and within wingswings

Lack of class officersLack of class officers

Drug issuesDrug issues

Mental issuesMental issues

Implementation of ServicesImplementation of Services There is a wide curriculum facilitated There is a wide curriculum facilitated

through adult education methods through adult education methods employed byemployed by

VEC’s (Vocational Education Committees)VEC’s (Vocational Education Committees)

Community GroupsCommunity Groups

Voluntary GroupsVoluntary Groups

P. E. (physical education) prison staff P. E. (physical education) prison staff