Tributes paid to former judge Kinlen

Tributes were paid today to the Inspector of Prisons, Mr Justice Dermot Kinlen, who died at his Kerry home.

A former High Court Judge, Mr Kinlen was appointed to his position in April 2002 and was known as a strong advocate for prisoners’ rights.

Justice Minister Brian Lenihan described him as a personal friend who had a distinguished career.

The Prison Officers Association (POA) branded him courageous and dedicated.

“Dermot Kinlen was a personal friend and professional colleague of mine,” Mr Lenihan said. “He had a distinguished career as a barrister and served as a Judge of the High Court. He had a huge personal interest in the welfare of prisoners at home and abroad.

“He did so both as a member of Prison Visiting Committees in this jurisdiction and as a representative of the International Commission of Jurists.

“Following his appointment as our Inspector of Prisons, he continued to be a trenchant advocate of the rights of prisoners.

“I would like to convey my personal condolences to his family and to his many friends and colleagues,” he said.

Prison Officers Association General Secretary John Clinton said: “Justice Kinlen was a courageous and dedicated Inspector of Prisons.

“He sought answers and spoke the truth in the very best interests of prisoners and prison staff. He did a wonderful job and all of us will remember him as a man of empathy and immense courage.”

Mr Kinlen was held in high regard in criminal justice circles for his work in exposing below standard conditions in our jails and at times harshly criticised the Government for its management of the Prisons Service.

In his 2006 annual report, he called for the immediate closure of St Patrick’s Institution for young offenders.

He also frequently highlighted the problem of overcrowding in Mountjoy Prison.

Mr Kinlen was called to the Bar in 1952. He was also called to the Bar in England and New South Wales and was a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators.

Mr Kinlen’s remains will be brought to Donnybrook Church at 5pm on Friday.

His funeral mass will take place on Saturday at 10am with burial following at Deansgrange cemetery.