Rights of those who‘ve done wrong
With a state in need of increased Mental Health facilities and shelters for those without a home, it is clear to see than those being released are not getting the care they need and want in order to save themselves from repeat offending. Many ex-prisoners struggle with alcohol and substance addiction, and the government have proven to be unhelpful with allowing these people to receive the care they need. In most cases, released prisoners are given little more than a bed in an emergency shelter and access to a waiting list for mental heath and addiction services. Our treatment of prisoners still in Penal centres tend to be equitable, but in the outside world, it is far from fair.
Luke Bishop
Rehabilitation Services in other Member States such a PrisonSMART in the United Kingdom and EuroPris have allowed governments and agencies to promote proper rehabilitation services and professional prison practice. Many of these services are available in Prisons around Europe and allow prisoners to manage their stress and cope with problems that may affect them in the outside world. These services have helped Member States lower their recidivism rates and let the prisoners’ function as members of communities, able to apply for employment and seek the help they need.
Across the European Union, many Member States have chosen to take very different stances on the treatment of the incarcerated within their country. The European Prison Rules are based on the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners but are not legally binding for Member States. What does this mean for the Prisoners incarcerated? What liberties do they have, and where does the line between internment and comfort stand? In comparison to other European countries, Ireland holds a low rate of death in prison and low prison population. It also boasts a high level of releases from Penal Institutions in the last 10 years, making it a equitable system, based off these figures alone. However, how can we compare to other Countries?
These rehabilitation programmes may indicate the standard of help needed to allow the interned to become part of society again in a positive way.
Ireland tends to have a low prison rate, with only 80 in every 100,000 people interned in prisons across Ireland. However, the number of Repeat offenders in Ireland stands much higher than other Member States. In 2016, Ireland held a 62.3% recidivism rate, with other States such as the United Kingdom only holding a 50% Repeating rate. In Ireland, it is reported that over 80% of these Repeat Offenders do so within three years. Is the Irish government really doing enough to rehabilitate their interned?
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