Judge Michael Reilly

Tributes have been paid to Judge Michael Reilly who served in the District and Special Criminal courts, before being appointed as Inspector of Prisons in 2008.

In a statement Minister for Justice Frances Fitzgerald said Judge Reilly had “served the State with great commitment as Inspector of Prisons, a role he agreed to take on after a distinguished career on the bench as a judge in both the District and Special Criminal Court.

“He was robust and fair-minded in the way he carried out his work as Inspector of Prisons; he was not afraid to criticise where this was merited, but he retained the respect of everyone involved in penal policy throughout his tenure as Inspector.”

Ms Fitzgerald extended her condolences to Judge Reilly’s family on behalf of the Government.

Michael Donnellan, the Director General of the Irish Prison Service, also paid tribute. He said, “Judge Reilly’s reports and recommendations have been the catalyst for many changes in the Irish Prison Service and his contribution to prison reform has been hugely significant.”

The funeral will take place at Portroe Church, Co Tipperary tomorrow at 11.45am.