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 Extra pressure put on Service Providers Limits time out of cells
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
Age Profiles 2/3 of all committals are aged between 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 16 are between Over 4 are over 80
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 Women are imprisoned in the Dochas Centre (part of the Mount joy Complex in Dublin) and in E wing in Limerick Prison
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
Mountjoy For men Population 590 Education available for about 80 prisoners along with workshops and training facilities
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
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.
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
Impediments to delivery Segregation of wings and within wings Lack of class officers Drug issues Mental issues
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