Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
National
John Kierans

Two transgender prisoners born as men serving sentences for sex offences in Irish women's prison

Two prisoners who were born male and are serving time for sexual offences are being kept in an Irish woman's jail.

The disclosure was made by acting Justice Minister Simon Harris in response to a Dail query from Aontu leader, Peadar Toibin.

The Minister confirmed both inmates are legally recognised as female under the Gender Recognition Act, 2015 by the Irish Prison Service.

Read More : Conor McGregor offers to cover security cost so Katie Taylor can fight in Croker

As of January 31 last he said they are the only transgender prisoners in the system.

But Mr Harris also revealed that the Irish Prison Service is currently drafting a policy for the management of transgender prisoners which is expected to be finalised shortly.

The Minister stated: "I am advised by the Director General of the Irish Prison Service that there are two prisoners known to the Irish Prison Service to be born male are being detained in a female prison for sexual offenses.

"The Prison Service is responsible for the safe and secure custody of all persons held in prison.

"Where a court makes an order committing a person to a prison the Prison Service must accept that person into custody in whichever prison is specified by the court.

"While all prisoners committed are accommodated in accordance with their legal gender and having regard to their safety and the safety of the wider prison population, it should be noted that Irish prisoners are not legally defined as 'male' or 'female'."

He said each new prisoner is interviewed and subjected to risk assessment.

Minister Harris added: "The Governor may also make a recommendation on the appropriate placement within the prison system, taking into consideration good order, security and operational issues, protection issues, available accommodation and the healthcare needs of the prisoner as well as the safety and security of other prisoners and staff."

READ MORE:

Get breaking news to your inbox by signing up to our newsletter

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.