About Us
Background
Judge Michael Reilly was appointed Inspector of Prisons on the 21st November 2007 to take effect from the 1st January 2008.
Our Remit
The Remit of the Office of the Inspector of Prisons is set out in Part 5 of the Prisons Act 2007.
Under Section 30.5 of that Act, the Inspector of Prisons is independent in the performance of his functions. Under Section 31.6 it is not the function of the Inspector to investigate or adjudicate on a complaint from an individual prisoner, but he may examine the circumstances relating to the complaint where necessary for performing his functions.
Under Section 32.1 of the Prisons Act 2007, the Inspector of Prisons must, inter alia, submit an annual report to the Minister for Justice and Law Reform on the performance of his functions during the previous year.
A report under this section shall, in respect of each prison inspected during the year in question, deal with, in particular-
- its general management, including the level of its effectiveness and efficiency,
- the conditions and general health and welfare of prisoners detained there,
- the general conduct and effectiveness of persons working there,
- compliance with national and international standards including in particular the prison rules,
- programmes and other facilities available and the extent to which prisoners participate in them,
- security, and
- discipline.
Section 32.3 of the said Act provides that the Minister, subject to subsection 4 shall cause a copy of it to be laid before the House of the Oireachtas and to be published.
Contact Us
Office of the Inspector of Prisons
24 Cecil Walk
Kenyon Street
Nenagh
Co Tipperary
Phone: +353 67 42210
Fax: +353 67 42219
E-mail: info@inspectorofprisons.gov.ie