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Urgent reform needed to bring Irish prisons from the brink of disaster

The worsening overcrowding crisis in prisons highlights the need for reform of a failing justice system, according to Social Democrats justice spokesperson Gary Gannon. Deputy Gannon, who will visit the Dóchas women’s prison this week alongside his colleague Senator Patricia Stephenson, said: “The most recent figures show the Dóchas facility is operating at 138% capacity […]

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Irish prisons neglected, overcrowded and unsafe

The current state of Ireland’s prison system is appalling for both those in custody and the prison officers working there, according to Social Democrats TD Gary Gannon. Deputy Gannon, the party’s justice spokesperson, said: “With over 5,300 people incarcerated, nearly 400 sleeping on floors, and violent incidents occurring daily, the system is bursting at the […]

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Sweeping asylum changes neither pragmatic nor compassionate

Proposing sweeping changes to asylum processes without showing how they can be achieved is a deeply cynical move, according to Social Democrats TD Gary Gannon. Deputy Gannon, who’s the party’s justice spokesperson, said: “It’s no coincidence that, following his absence from the Garda Representative Association conference, where rank-and-file gardaí expressed deep dissatisfaction with the state […]

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Government cannot rush headlong into facial recognition rollout without proper oversight

The government’s headlong rush to introduce facial recognition technology (FRT) without adequate safeguards or transparency is deeply concerning, according to Social Democrats TD Gary Gannon. Deputy Gannon, the party’s Dublin Central TD and spokesperson on justice, said: “This week’s comments from the Minister for Justice about the ‘well advanced’ work on introducing facial recognition technology […]

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Government cannot continue to bury its head in the sand while Garda morale collapses

The Justice Minister’s failure to meaningfully engage with members of An Garda Síochána is compounding an already serious crisis in the force, according to Social Democrats TD Gary Gannon. Deputy Gannon, who is the party’s spokesperson on justice, said: “Speaking on RTÉ this morning, the general secretary of the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors […]

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Justice Minister’s decision not to attend Garda conference is an error of judgement

Justice Minister Jim O Callaghan’s decision not to attend the Garda Representative Association’s rank and file annual conference this year is a missed opportunity to demonstrate meaningful support for members of the force at a crucial juncture, according to Social Democrats TD Gary Gannon Deputy Gannon, who is the party’s spokesperson on justice, said: “The […]

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