Prison inspector left position 'due to attempts to undermine her office'

Patricia Gilheaney referenced elements in the department, the Irish Prison Service, and the Prison Officers Association as counteracting her attempts to fulfil her statutory duty. Picture: Jason Clarke

The outgoing inspector of prisons has told the minister for justice that her decision to leave the job before her contract expired was because of the constant attempts to undermine her office, the Irish Examiner has learnt.

Patricia Gilheaney told Justice Minister Helen McEntee that she couldn't “in all conscience” continue in her role because she had been thwarted in carrying out her duties at every step.