Court psychiatric reports can lead to lifelong consequences for minor offences

At the heart of this issue lies a simple but vital principle: medical confidentiality. It is the foundation of trust between patient and doctor. Without it, people do not speak freely. Without it, care breaks down

The court practice of asking prison psychiatrists for reports must cease. File picture

The recently published annual report of the Inspector of Prisons paints a stark picture of Irish prisons, branding the overcrowding within the prison estate a "national disgrace". The inspectorate additionally flagged high rates of perceived discrimination and inter-prisoner violence.

Each of these issues has the potential to disproportionately impact persons with mental illness. For many persons in Ireland who are living with a mental illness, stigma is already a real concern. This is amplified if there is contact with the criminal justice system.