Prison inspector to cover all detention centres under draft laws

The Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission will also be tasked with co-ordinating the activities of all 'National Preventive Mechanisms'

Garda stations, court cells and prisoner escort vans will come under the oversight. File picture: Larry Cummins.

Garda stations, court cells and prisoner escort vans will come under the oversight of an extended Inspector of Prisons under new draft laws.

Under the General Scheme of the Inspection of Places of Detention Bill, Justice Minister Helen McEntee is creating the post of Chief Inspector of Places of Detention. The bill allows for the designation of 'National Preventive Mechanisms' (NPMs) to act as inspection bodies of all places of detention.