In June 2022, the General Scheme of the Inspection of Places of Detention Bill was published. Key stakeholders were invited to make submissions with representatives then invited to appear before the Committee on Justice for the re-legislative scrutiny of the general scheme of the Inspection of Places of Detention Bill in Leinster House on Tuesday, October 18th (video stream available here).
Dr Joe Garrihy welcomed the development of the draft Bill as a step toward the ratification of the Optional Protocol to the UN Convention against Torture (OPCAT) and the associated progression in prison oversight in Ireland. The development and consistent review of an effective system of prison oversight should not be an aspiration, rather it is the minimum standard required of the Irish state and the Bill presents an opportunity that must be grasped to ensure this.
Dr Garrihy’s submission, opening statement and contributions addressed key areas of concern in the draft Bill including:
- The overdue ratification of the Optional Protocol to the UN Convention against Torture (OPCAT).
- The independence of the proposed Inspectorate of Places of Detention (IPD) including (but is not limited to) financial and resourcing, publication capacities, staffing and the commission of external expertise..
- The establishment of a dedicated Ombudsman for Prisons and Places of Detention.
- The clarity of roles, obligations and expertise of the proposed IPD.
- The implications and opportunities for a replaced or reformed Prison Visiting Committee (PVC).
- Protections for those who engage with the oversight bodies.
Dr Garrihy’s opening statement (50:58) and further contributions: (1:26:31; 1:47:12 – 1:53:25; 2:00:08; 2:11:16; 2:21:04; 2:27:24) are available here.