This report is the first in a series of three annual reports providing a comprehensive report on human rights and best practice in Ireland’s penal system. IPRT has developed 35 standards against which the prevailing situation in Ireland’s penal system will be independently tracked, monitored and assessed on an annual basis.

The report covers wide-ranging areas of penal policy including prison conditions, regimes, and access to education and services. It identifies the current gaps in service provision and will allow for independent monitoring and progress tracking over the next three years. IPRT sought input from experts (both national and international) on the different issues and areas covered in the report.

The PIPS project is intended as a means to inform a wide array of stakeholders, including: criminal justice stakeholders, politicians, media, the general public and international audiences interested in learning about the current state of the Irish penal system in comparison with other jurisdictions. IPRT hopes that the project will encourage constructive dialogue between a range of relevant stakeholders.