Disability Matters Committee to discuss access to justice with representatives from the Irish Prison Service

The following representatives are due to appear:

Caron McCaffrey, Director General - Irish Prison Service

Fergal Black, Director of Care & Rehabilitation - Irish Prison Service

Dr. Emma Regan, Head of Psychology - Irish Prison Service

Emer Campbell, Chief Nurse Officer - Irish Prison Service

Mark McGoldrick, Principal Officer, Estates Directorate - Irish Prison Service

Speaking ahead of the meeting, Committee Cathaoirleach Deputy Michael Moynihan said: “We welcome the opportunity to resume our discussion on people with disabilities accessing justice.”

“The Irish Prison Service forms a key component of the criminal justice system providing safe and secure custody with dignity of care for people committed to prison and reducing the risk of harm to the public and the likelihood of reoffending by providing rehabilitation for people in prison.”

“The Irish Prison Service do not systematically provide data on the number of persons in custody with a diagnosis related to a physical condition, mental illness or a disability however it is recognised that improved data collection is essential for service providers to be able to develop evidenced-based policies to monitor the implementation of the UN Convention on the rights of persons with disabilities (UNCRPD).”

Watch the meeting live here or on the Oireachtas smartphone app for Apple and Android.