Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 May 2026
861. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the performance indicators that are used to measure positive successes within the Irish Prison System; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40015/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Irish Prison Service publishes an annual report which details progress made on a number of key performance indicators, including prison committals, work, training and education rates, and incidents of self-harm. You can access these reports here: www.irishprisons.ie/information-centre/publications/annual-reports/.
The performance of the Irish Prison Service is also governed through a formal multiannual Oversight Agreement and an annual Performance Delivery Agreement (PDA) between the Irish Prison Service and the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration. These agreements set out the resource inputs provided to the Irish Prison Service, the performance targets against which delivery is measured each year, and the governance mechanisms used to monitor progress. The Irish Prison Service Performance Delivery Agreement 2026 is near completion.
The Oversight Agreement and the annual PDA are published on the Department’s website and form part of the overall governance framework for the Irish Prison Service. Performance against these targets is monitored through quarterly governance meetings, regular reporting by the Irish Prison Service to the Department, and structured review processes to ensure accountability, transparency and continuous improvement in service delivery.
The PDA groups performance indicators under several broad themes. At a high level, the KPIs relate to:
- Safe and Secure Custody, including measures relating to security incidents, assaults, contraband detection, and compliance with operational protocols.
- Care and Rehabilitation, covering access to education, work and training, psychology and healthcare services, sentence management, and supports aimed at reducing reoffending.
- Human Rights and Dignity, including indicators on conditions, accommodation standards, access to services, and compliance with national and international human rights obligations.
- Organisational Capacity and Resources — such as staffing, training, digital transformation, capital projects, and financial management.
- Governance and Accountability — including reporting obligations, audit processes, and delivery of strategic commitments.
These indicators collectively measure progress in maintaining safe custody, improving rehabilitation outcomes, strengthening operational resilience, and ensuring that the Irish Prison Service meets its statutory and strategic obligations.
