Fianna Fáil TD for Kildare North, James Lawless has welcomed the unique opportunity to hear submissions from a prisoner via video link about the rehabilitative opportunities and conditions within the Irish Prison system as part of a Joint Committee on Justice hearing today.
Speaking ahead of the meeting, Committee Cathaoirleach Deputy James Lawless said: “We are looking forward to discussing the provision of education and skills development within prisons, the mental health services for prisoners and the barriers facing prisoners in readjusting to society upon their release from prison.
“The Committee hopes that by addressing these fundamental issues, the wider community can help to escalate the changes necessary to ensure the successful reintegration of prisoners post-release.”
The Joint Committee on Justice will meet today at 3pm to examine rehabilitative opportunities within the Irish Prison system.
Submissions will be taken from:
• Mr Eddie Mullins, Governor of Wheatfield Prison
• Ms Ethel Gavin, former Governor at Irish Prison Service
• Mr Warren Graham, prisoner at Loughan House Open Centre
• Representatives from the Irish Penal Reform Trust (IPRT)
• Representatives from the Irish Prison Service (IPS)
The meeting can be viewed live on Oireachtas TV.
The Joint Committee on Justice has 14 Members, nine from the Dáil and five from the Seanad.