Joint Committee on Justice will meet to examine rehabilitative opportunities within the Irish Prison system.

The meeting will take place at 3pm in Committee Room 1 of Leinster House.

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)

Speaking ahead of the meeting, Committee Cathaoirleach 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 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.

Committee proceedings can also be viewed on the Houses of the Oireachtas Smartphone App, available for Apple and Android devices.