Protest over transgender inmates as Justice Minister opens new wing at Limerick Prison

MINISTER for Justice Simon Harris says the keeping of transgender inmates in female prisons is not an issue of “gender or sex” but one of “safety”.

The minister made his comments at Limerick Prison this Friday, where he officially opened a new 102-cell “state of the art” B-wing.

“It is really important that when it comes to prisoners being held regardless of who he or she is then they are housed in a way that absolutely at its core has the safety of the prison population and the people working in the prison community.”

As Mr Harris visited Limerick Prison, a number of people protested outside with a banner that read "No Males in Women's Jails".

The issue of transgender women being housed in female prisons has become a concern for some and there have been a number of high profile cases before the courts recently.

“I’m very conscious that the Irish Prison Service are currently finalising their own policy in relation to trans prisoners and I look forward to them doing that piece of work,” Minister Harris said.

“They’ll obviously be led through that work by best international practice, how other countries have addressed this matter,” he added.

Permission sought for 92 new homes in Limerick town

Minister Harris said that he “can’t comment on any individual case” but added: “It is important that I say this. Every single prisoner that is housed in an Irish prison today in Limerick or anywhere else is risk assessed. They are assessed in relation to safety, their safety, the safety to other prisoners and the safety of those who work in the prison.”

The minister said everyone has an entitlement to work in a prison environment or live in an environment that is safe.

“No prisoner who is a risk to any prison population or prison staff is in a position to mix with the population,” he said.