Minister Lenihan announces appointment of New Inspector of Prisons

21st November 2007

The minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Mr. Brian Lenihan, T.D., today announced the the appointment of Judge Michael Reilly, Judge of the District Court to the post of Inspector of Prisons as provided for in the Prisons Act, 2007. The appointment will take effect from 1st January 2008 and will be for a 5-year period.

Announcing the appointment Minister Lenihan said:

"It is important that we have independent oversight of our prisons regime. The Oireachtas provided for the statutory office of Inspector of Prisons and in appointing Judge Reilly, I am confident that he will carry out his duties in a fair and impartial manner. Judge Reilly brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the post from his national and international work. Apart from his distinguished career on the bench, he has served on may prestigious groups from the Tormey Commission on Criminal Legal Aid in the 1970's, to the Ballycotton Inquiry of 1991 and more recently, the National Crime Council. Judge Reilly has just completed an Inquiry for the Government of the Seychelles, having been nominated by the Irish authorities. This Inquiry examined events on the Seychelles on the 3rd October 2006, and related matters. I am pleased to see that the report has recently been published by the Seychelles Authorities and is testament to the high standing in which Judge Reilly is held."

The Minister wished Judge Reilly well in his new role and said: "I look forward to working with the Inspector and his office over the next five years in a positive and constructive manner."

Ar Ais go dtí an Barr