119. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Justice in light of the worsening crisis of prison overcrowding, where over 350 people are reportedly sleeping on floors and prison numbers are at a record high, the steps he is taking to implement meaningful decarceration policies, including non-custodial sentencing and investment in community supports. [24597/25]

Sentiment score: -0.27

I want to align myself with the condolences expressed across the Chamber to Garda Kevin Flatley's family, colleagues and the communities he served so diligently. In light of the worsening crisis of prison overcrowding whereby more than 350 people are reported to be sleeping on floors in prison and prison numbers are at a record high, what steps has the Minister taken to implement meaningful decarceration policies, including non-custodial sentences and investing in community-based sanction and support?

Sentiment score: -0.42

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.

Sentiment score: -0.07

That is an incredible job of answering a question I did not ask. No part of my question, either in written form or in my contribution, referred to the release of people in prison for serious offences. I discount even the notion of that. However, while we are talking about increased populations, why do we not conduct an audit of who exactly is in our prisons? In the majority of cases, they are there because of addiction and for all sorts of issues for which prison is not the most useful means of rehabilitation. We are all looking for the same outcome, namely, places where people who engage in crime can have consequences that suit both their crimes and the communities impacted by their crimes. What we have is a conveyor belt of people who for various reasons - usually addiction - go into our prisons, sleep on floors and continue that addiction. They then come out of prison and reoffend because prison is traumatic. We are all asking whether that is the best approach. It clearly is not working.

Sentiment score: -0.14