Concerns over human rights record

THE Government is likely to face strong criticism from the United Nations human rights committee over its lack of progress on addressing concerns — first highlighted almost a decade ago — about the condition of Irish prisons as well as the state’s treatment of various groups including women, Travellers, immigrants and same-sex couples.

A report from the Irish Human Rights Commission (IHRC) has expressed concern about the situation of civil and political rights in the country, in terms of Ireland’s compliance with its international obligations on human rights.

In particular, the IHRC claims the physical condition of many prisons in the republic are wholly inadequate and fail to meet minimum standards. It is also highly critical of the lack of separation of young offenders from adult prisoners as well as the poor level of social rehabilitation programmes for prisoners.