Chaplain takes leave from role citing 'toxic environment' in women's prison

Chaplain Clare Hargaden left her post in The Dóchas Centre after complaining of a culture of “fear, indifference, hostility, and ineptitude”. Picture: Collins, Dublin

The chaplain of the Dóchas women’s prison has left her post, complaining of a culture of “fear, indifference, hostility, and ineptitude” that was having a major impact on her health.

Chaplain Clare Hargaden has notified the director general of the Irish Prison Service that she was going on sick leave with a condition that had been greatly exacerbated due to the “toxic environment” in the prison.