First TEDx event in an Irish prison to focus on re-integration of ex-offenders

First TEDx event in an Irish prison to focus on re-integration of ex-offenders

The first ever TEDx event in an Irish prison is set to take place tomorrow at Mountjoy Prison.

The TEDxMountjoyPrison event has been organised by SOLAS, the Further Education and Training Authority, in partnership with the Irish Prison Service.

At the invite-only event, speakers will share their ideas on how to ensure ex-offenders are successfully re-integrated into society.

The line-up includes Dublin footballer Philly McMahon; publisher and media personality Norah Casey; Eddie Mullins, Governor of Mountjoy Prison; and Nikki Gallagher, Director of Communications and Secretariat at SOLAS.

Ms Gallagher said: “Education services are available in all prisons in Ireland, delivered in partnership with SOLAS, Education and Training Boards, and other organisations.

“Superb work is being done; and people in prisons nationwide are availing of educational opportunities and increasing their skills and knowledge at every level. However, education alone cannot ensure ex-offenders will successfully reintegrate into society when released from prison.

“The theme of our TEDx event tomorrow is ‘Beyond Walls – from Custody to Community’; and our speakers include a social entrepreneur, a psychologist, an ex-offender, and others who have extensive experience of the prison system. They will be sharing their ideas of what supports are needed by ex-offenders, and how we can change public mindsets about prison.”

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