Gary Gannon (Dublin Central, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for his comprehensive response. I welcome the increase to two years for consideration of community service. However, we can waste any time when it comes to addressing the appalling and dangerous conditions in our prison system. Hundreds of people are sleeping on floors. The number of prisoners who have died in custody in Ireland has increased by 55% in the past year, up from 20 in 2023 to 31 last year. In many cases, the conditions in our prisons are nothing short of Dickensian, in that there is overcrowding. This is a serious failing of our criminal justice infrastructure.

Of course, consequences in certain cases should result in prison sentences but that should only be a part. Right now, prisons are filled with people serving short sentences for petty, non-violent crimes. We know these sentences do little to deter future offending. They push people further into a cycle of crime.

Meeting with people who have lived experience along with legal and justice groups makes it clear to me that judges are still handing down custodial sentences in cases where alternatives exist. There appears to be a lack of awareness and support in encouraging the use of non-custodial options.

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