Written answers

Tuesday, 24 June 2014

Department of Justice and Equality

Prison Accommodation Provision

Photo of Éamon Ó CuívÉamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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88. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality her policy on prison overcrowding; if there is, in her view, any independent evidence that longer prison sentences reduce the incidence of crime in our society and that it makes it a safer place to live; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26572/14]

Photo of Frances FitzgeraldFrances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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The average number of prisoners in custody in Ireland has risen in recent years from 3,321 during 2007 to 4,318 during 2012, an increase of over 30%. The total number of committals to prison has also risen sharply during the same period from 11,934 in 2007 to 17,026 in 2012, an increase of over 43%. 2013 saw the first significant decrease in prison numbers since 2007. There were 15,735 committals to prison in 2013 which was a decrease of 7.6% on the 2012 figure.

As the Deputy will be aware, the primary role of the Irish Prison Service is to provide safe and secure custody for prisoners. The Prison Service must accept all persons committed by the courts into custody and does not have the option of refusing committals. As outlined in the Irish Prison Service Three Year Strategic Plan, it is intended to align the capacity of our prisons with the guidelines laid down by the Inspector of Prisons in 2014, insofar as this is compatible with public safety and the integrity of the criminal justice system. As of 20 June 2014, there were 4,001 prisoners in custody. This figure was 99% of the Inspector of Prisons recommended total of 4,035. The Three Year Strategic Plan also outlines a number of measures to be undertaken including the Community Return Scheme, a closer working relationship with the Probation Service, and a more structured approach to Temporary Release.

I understand there has been some research particularly in the United Kingdom to support the view that longer prison sentences do cut crime and deter re-offending. In an Irish context, the joint Irish Prison Service and Central Statistics Office Recidivism Study was published in 2013. This ground breaking research provided a comprehensive analysis of the rate of recidivism among ex- prisoners. The findings will help inform policy on the management of offenders and will assist in the formulation of new strategies aimed at reducing recidivism.

Finally, the Deputy will be aware that a working group was established by my predecessor to conduct an all encompassing strategic review of penal policy. The Group was asked to examine the role of penal policy in crime prevention, sentencing policies, alternatives to custody, custodial accommodation and regimes, reintegration and rehabilitation as well as any special issues relating to female offenders. The Group is expected to report shortly.

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