merrion street

The Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality, Frances Fitzgerald
T.D., today announced the re-appointment of Mr. Michael Donnellan as the
Director General of the Irish Prison Service for a further 5 years.

Michael was initially appointed as Director General on a 5-year term in
December 2011. He was previously Director of the Probation Service and has
previous experience in health and social services in Ireland and London.

Speaking on the re-appointment the Tánaiste said “ I am delighted to
confirm the re-appointment of Michael Donnellan as Director General of the
Irish Prison Service for a further 5-year term. During Michael’s first
tenure as Director General, he has overseen the implementation of the 3
Year Strategic Plan for the Service which has seen huge reform in the
prison system including reduction in overcrowding, enhanced structured
release programmes and the elimination of slopping out through the
implementation of a comprehensive prison modernisation programme”.

“Under Michael’s leadership the Prison Service will continue to enhance the
safety of our citizens by providing rehabilitation and opportunities for
prisoners working in collaboration with my Department, the relevant Justice
agencies and other relevant statutory and non-statutory bodies. I wish
Michael well in his role and look forward to continuing to work closely
with him as we strive to provide a world class Prison Service".

Note for Editors
Michael Donnellan was appointed to the post of Director General of the
Irish Prison Service for a 5-year term in December 2011. He had served as
Director of the Probation Service since 2005.  Prior to this, he served as
Director of two children detention schools in Dublin.

Michael spent his early career working within adult psychiatry before
specialising in child and adolescent psychiatry. He worked in inner city
London as a Social Worker, and then as Manager of Brixton Child Guidance
Unit, before returning to Ireland in 1994.