Use of prisons for people with psychiatric illnesses in breach of international obligations

Irish prisons are, in effect, emerging as congregated settings for people with psychosocial and intellectual disabilities, particularly since the closure of large psychiatric hospitals. 

The use of institutions such as prisons, homeless hostels and direct provision centres to accommodate people with psychiatric illnesses or intellectual disabilities could be putting Ireland in breach of its international obligations, experts have warned.

As the Government prepares to be quizzed on its adherence to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities later this year, a team of medical, psychiatric and legal academics have questioned Ireland’s record.