Expanding prison capacity will not fix systemic failures in Ireland’s justice system, according to Social Democrats justice spokesperson Gary Gannon.
Deputy Gannon said:
“In 2024, there was a 55% increase in deaths in Irish prisons – this is not a crisis we can build our way out of.
“In their annual report, the Inspector of Prisons described Irish prison conditions as ‘inhumane and degrading.’
“The vast majority of people sent to prison are serving sentences of 12 months or less, far too many committals are for petty crime, and 1 in 5 people in prison are on remand. The current system is not keeping communities safe, it is warehousing people.
“No one disputes the need for prison in cases of serious harm, but we cannot keep using it as a default for people whose needs are rooted in addiction, poverty, and trauma.
“Prison should be a place of rehabilitation – that’s what serves the common good, including victims. Short custodial sentences don’t reduce reoffending, but properly resourced youth diversion schemes and community sanctions do.
“The Minister has proposed expanding community based sanctions, which is welcome – but it means nothing without major investment in the Probation Service, proper judicial data on compliance, and feedback loops on what works.
“We should also be putting in place bail support schemes for adults, to reduce unnecessary remand and help people stay engaged with services, work, and family while awaiting trial.
“This is not about being soft, but effective. A smarter, evidence led, rehabilitation focused system is what keeps communities safer in the long term.”