Gentlemen, – Responding to a Letter to the Editor issued on April 18th, which argues against the concept of prison expansion, I couldn’t help but notice the array of intellectuals and politicians who endorsed it. These individuals apparently possess an extensive understanding of the Irish criminal justice system. Nevertheless, they fail to acknowledge the demographic data of our nation in their argument.
To draw on historical context, our last prison, Cloverhill, was constructed in 1999, when Ireland housed a populace of 3.7 million. Fast forward to 2024, our population tally stands at 5.2 million.
From a sheer statistical viewpoint, could it not be posited that we require more prison capacity? Our prisons are considerably crammed, hampering the rehabilitation of offenders, many of whom seem to be caught in a cycle of crime and punishment.
Our judicial system is undeniably lax towards individuals who breach the law. Typically, those sentenced to prison are persistent or notably severe first-time offenders. Perhaps we should consider the victims’ perspectives. Does investing in community rehabilitation genuinely offer them reassurance? Or should the culprits face the ultimate penalty – incarceration?
The reality remains that our urban areas are fraught with danger; the safety of our citizens remains in jeopardy. Hence, it seems fitting to imprison severe lawbreakers and provide them with rehabilitation whilst they serve their sentences for their crimes. – Sincerely,
FINBARR DOLAN,
Knocklyon,
Dublin 16.