Penal Policy

People in prison are amongst the most marginalised and vulnerable in our society. The majority have left school early, experience literacy and learning difficulties and have a history of unemployment. Many prisoners suffer from mental illness and experience drug and alcohol dependency. A substantial number of prisoners have experienced homelessness at some point in their lives. Prisons have become dumping grounds for those rejected by society.

The Jesuit Centre for Faith and Justice is in the process of writing an overarching document, The Irish Prison System: Vision, Values, Reality, which will articulate our concerns while providing an overview of the prison system. Of particular focus of the Centre is the promotion of safe and humane custody, reduction in imprisonment and appropriate services for people leaving prison. Click here to read relevant publications and articles from Working Notes. Our website whycare.ie also provides useful information on Crime and Prison.