The Irish Prison Service Statement of Strategy 2023-2027 and the Irish Prison Service Drugs Strategy 2023-2026 marks a new chapter in the approach to imprisonment and substance abuse within the Irish prison system. The Irish Prison Service has embarked on an extensive consultation process to identify the strategic priorities that will shape its operations over the next number of years. This collaborative effort involved senior management and staff from across the prison estate, and, for the first time, engagement with individuals in custody facilitated by the Irish Red Cross.

The new strategic plan encompasses five key pillars that will shape the Irish Prison Service’s priorities over the next five years:
1. Prisoner Pathways
2. Employee Experience
3. New Business Processes
4. Digital Platforms
5. Governance Framework

In addition to the Strategic Plan, the Irish Prison Service also unveiled its new Drugs Strategy 2023-2026. This comprehensive strategy outlines a series of goals aimed at reducing the harm caused by substance abuse within the prison environment. Building upon the commitments of the Irish Prison Service, Keeping Drugs Out of Prison Strategy, the new drugs strategy provides practical measures to be implemented by the Irish Prison Service in addressing the issue of illicit drug use over the next three years.

The publication of the Irish Prison Service Strategic Plan 2023-2027 and the Drugs Strategy 2023-2026 marks a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to transform the prison system in Ireland at a time when the system is undergoing significant challenges. These documents represent a collective commitment to the well-being, rehabilitation, and safety of prisoners and staff alike.