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The Irish Prison Service
Political responsibility for the Prison System in Ireland is vested in the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform. The Irish Prison Service operates as an executive agency within the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform. It is headed by a Director General supported by 7 Directors. A non-executive Prisons Authority Interim Board provides advice and guidance in the management of the prison system.
The Irish Prison Service deals with male offenders who are 16 years of age or over and female offenders who are 17 years of age or over.
The Irish Prison Service is administered centrally with its headquarters located at:
IDA Business Park,
Ballinalee Road,
Longford,
Co. Longford
Telephone: +353 43 33 35100 Fax: +353 43 33 35371
E-mail: info@irishprisons.ie
www.irishprisons.ie
Ireland’s Prisons
There are 14 institutions in the Irish Prison System consisting of 11 traditional "closed" institutions, two open centres, which operate with minimal internal and perimeter security, and one “semi-open" facility with traditional perimeter security but minimal internal security (the Training Unit). The majority of female prisoners are accommodated in the purpose built "Dóchas Centre" with the remainder accommodated in Limerick Prison.
Arbour Hill Prison
Castlerea Prison
Cloverhill Prison
Cork Prison
Dochas Centre
Limerick Prison
Loughan House
Midlands Prison
Mountjoy Prison
Portlaoise Prison
Shelton Abbey
St. Patricks Institution
Training Unit
Wheatfield Prison
Mission Statement
The mission of the Irish Prison Service is to provide safe, secure and humane custody for people who are sent to prison. The Service is committed to managing custodial sentences in a way which encourages and supports prisoners in their endeavouring to live law abiding and purposeful lives as valued members of society.
Core values
The Prison Service:
- Recognises its obligation to serve the community with full respect for the human dignity and rights of every person, both in custody and in the wider community
- Recognises that it is obliged to help every offender live as a law abiding person and that the Service can contribute to their realising their potential
- Believes in making available to each person in custody conditions and services appropriate to their well-being and personal development
- Commits itself to minimising the detrimental effects of imprisonment
- Endeavours to help prisoners, where possible and appropriate, to maintain relationships with their families
- Values the resources available to it, especially all staff working in the prison system who are the most important asset in fulfilling the Service's mission
- Commits itself to being courteous and fair in all its dealings
- Accepts that it is accountable for its actions and endeavours to demonstrate this accountability in public.
Click any of the links below to view details of the various Directorates within the Irish Prison Service :
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