Garda body warns justice system is failing society

THE justice system “is breaking down” and is now failing society, rank and file gardaí have claimed.

Garda representatives have said releasing prisoners early to deal with an overcrowding crisis was “undermining” the work of gardaí and putting the community at risk.

In an editorial in the Garda Review, general secretary of the Garda Representative Association (GRA) PJ Stone said: “The system of justice is breaking down.”

He said there was “chronic overcrowding” in prisons. “The proportion of inmates being given temporary release to ease prison overcrowding has been steadily increasing and, on occasion, more than one in four prisoners are not behind bars, despite the decisions of judges and juries.

“This is not working Gardaí have found numerous prisoners on temporary release engaging in serious crime. The nature of these offences negates assurances that these are low-risk offenders.”

Official figures supplied to the Irish Penal Reform Trust (IPRT) show, on June 25, 18% of the prisoner population, or 941 inmates, were on temporary release, with 4,317 in prison. In comparison, 13% (541 inmates) were on temporary release last December.

Mr Stone said: “In the formal courtrooms, carefully compiled evidence and reports are solemnly considered under the auspices of presiding judges to give appropriate punishment, rehabilitation and social justice.”

No sooner had members completed their task than criminals were “prematurely” back on the streets.

“This system needs to be addressed urgently. The criminal justice system is failing society.”

A spokesman for Justice Minister Ahern said the Government was committed to a new prison at Thornton, which will house 2,200 prisoners. “In the past 12 years, over 1,700 prison spaces have been created. Shortly, another 200 prison places will be coming on stream in Wheatfield, while construction on a new 300 space addition to the Midland prison in Portlaoise should commence towards the end of this year.

“In addition the minister is easing pressure on spaces through the enactment of the new Fines Bill, which will considerably reduce those being imprisoned for non-payment of fines, and through a new pilot project dealing with electronic monitoring.

“The IPRT called for a commission to review sentencing and for more use of community sanctions.”