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An Introduction to The Irish Prison System

An Introduction to The Irish Prison System. Based on the findings of the Jesuit Centre for Faith and Justice report first published in 2012. Introduction to the Irish Prison System. Rising Prison Population Worsening Conditions Overcrowding Doubling up on cell space

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An Introduction to The Irish Prison System

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  1. An Introduction to The Irish Prison System Based on the findings of the Jesuit Centre for Faith and Justice report first published in 2012

  2. Introduction to the Irish Prison System • Rising Prison Population • Worsening Conditions • Overcrowding • Doubling up on cell space • Extra pressure put on Service Providers • Limits time out of cells

  3. Socio Economic Background • High numbers of prisoners come from areas with a lot of social and economic difficulties. • Many lack literacy, training or educational qualifications. • Many suffer from mental illness. • Others have drug/alcohol addictions • Homeless issues • Over representation of the travelling community

  4. Age Profiles • 2/3 of all committals are aged between 21-39 • Total of 221 prisoners are under 18 (children the law) • 1,581 over the age of 18 but under 21 • Over 5% aged 50 and over • 120 prisoners are over 60 • 82 are between the ages of 60-70 • 16 are between 70-80 • Over 4 are over 80

  5. Women in Irish Prisons • There is also a high rise in this category • In 2010 there were 1,701 committals • The majority of these were aged between 21-39 • Women are imprisoned in the Dochas Centre (part of the Mount joy Complex in Dublin) and in E wing in Limerick Prison

  6. The Prisons December 2010 • 14 Prisons • 4,313 prisoners • There are a range of prisons in Ireland • High Security, Medium Security, Open Prisons and the Training Unit • Each are unique in their own way

  7. Mountjoy • For men • Population 590 • Education available for about 80 prisoners along with workshops and training facilities

  8. Cork Prison • For men • Population 259 • Purpose built education unit that facilitates a broad range of practical and academic subjects. • Also several workshops • Very good post release services in education, housing and addiction

  9. Limerick Prison • For men and women • Population 300 men and 30 women • Key issue in Limerick Prison is segregation . It is rife and constricting. • Fairly new purpose built education Unit . • It consists of 2 floors with classrooms for art, crafts • Ceramics, computers, home economics, academic classes, a music studio, and a library. • The same building also houses on separate floors, a gym and sports hall and a medical unit.

  10. Subjects on offer in Limerick • English (state/vocational exam levels plus literacy training) • Maths (state/vocational exam levels) • Home Economics • Languages • Music • Computing • Health and Drug Awareness • Woodwork workshop • Arts • Business/accounting • Ceramics • Calligraphy • Crafts • History • Tai Chi • Yoga • Health and Fitness • Physical Education

  11. Impediments to delivery • Segregation of wings and within wings • Lack of class officers • Drug issues • Mental issues

  12. Implementation of Services • There is a wide curriculum facilitated through adult education methods employed by • VEC’s (Vocational Education Committees) • Community Groups • Voluntary Groups • P. E. (physical education) prison staff

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