Michael Clifford: We need proper scrutiny of life behind our prison walls

If there were no shortcomings or criticisms of Dóchas prison from the inspector in her monitoring reports, the failure to publish is completely baffling, writes Michael Clifford.

The Mountjoy Prison complex, which houses the Dóchas Centre.

The recent publication of the Inspector of Prisons Annual Report has highlighted some major deficiencies in the complaints system within Irish prisons. 

The criticisms were well made, but the report also referenced issues that require further examination at the Dóchas Centre for Women.