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On 20 July, Irish Penal Reform Trust launched a new report on Rethinking Remand: An assessment of pre‑trial detention in Ireland.

This report examines how remand and bail practices are applied within the Irish criminal justice system.

Crime, Punishment and Rights Cluster member, Tom O’Malley SC, delivered the keynote address at the report launch in Dublin.

Tom’s speech was followed by a presentation of research findings by Niamh McCormack (Legal and Public Affairs Manager, and report author) and a panel discussion with Michelle Martyn (Lead Inspector, Office of the Inspector of Prisons)
 
The report’s key recommendations include:

• introducing a Bail Supervision Scheme for women, young adults, and other marginalised groups, building on the success of the youth justice model;
• reviewing and reforming cash bail requirements, which disproportionately impact people experiencing poverty;
• strengthening diversion pathways for people with severe mental illness, ensuring courts have meaningful alternatives to remand.