Mark Toland

Mr Toland will temporarily fill the vacancy arising from the sudden resignation of Patricia Gilheaney as inspector with effect from last week.

Justice minister Helen McEntee said: “The role of inspector of prisons is so important and Patricia Gilheaney has led the office since 2018 with commendable dedication and commitment to her role and left a lasting legacy in the Inspection Framework for the Office of the Inspector of Prisons.

“Despite the constraints of the pandemic, she has greatly increased the impact and influence of the Office. It was always clear to me that Patricia kept the human rights of people in prison at the heart of the Office’s work. I have always valued Patricia’s views and will continue to do so.”

She added: “I would like to thank Mark Toland for agreeing to take on this important role. Oversight and evaluation are vital to ensuring the safety and security of the often vulnerable people in the care of the State in prison and the office of the Inspector of Prisons plays a key role in ensuring this work is carried out to the highest standards.”

The interim appointment will allow the inspector’s work to continue pending a permanent appointment, which the Department of Justice said would be completed “shortly”.