Council of Europe CPT REPORT
The Office of Inspector of Prisons welcomes the publication of the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT) Report following its visit to Ireland from 23 September to 4 October 2019. The CPT acknowledges progress in relation to a range of areas since its previous periodic visit in 2014,however, its findings in relation to a number of matters including the treatment of some vulnerable persons in prisons, particularly two men with mental illness who were in Cloverhill Prison at the time of their visit is wholly unacceptable. “The CPT report illustrates the importance of prisons oversight and we welcome the emphasis placed on the requirement for robust national oversight by this Office.
My colleagues and I in the Inspectorate will monitor the implementation of the recommendations contained in the report” said Patricia Gilheaney, Inspector of Prisons. “The provision of additional resources has enabled the recruitment of inspectorate staff who will be joining us over the coming weeks. This coupled with the recent publication of an Inspection Framework for Prisons in Ireland will enable the roll-out of prison inspections in 2021.
The Office of Inspector of Prisons notes that legislative provisions relating to oversight in the penal system are being considered by the Minister and her officials and takes this opportunity to reiterate the requirement for the enhancement of statutory provisions regarding the inspection of prisons.
The COE Report can be accessed here
The Government of Irelands Response to the Report can be accessed here