A spokesperson for the prison service told our sister publication Irish Legal News that it was engaging with internal stakeholders on practical matters ahead of the finalisation of the new policy.

Work on a national policy has been under way since a recommendation made by the Office of the Inspector of Prisons (OIP) in 2021 but has taken longer than expected.

Part of the reason for this is that the work was extended beyond its original remit to also consider “the supports for gender diversity in the prison environment more broadly”.

Penal rights experts have welcomed progress towards a new policy document as important for realising the rights of trans prisoners.

A spokesperson for the Irish Prison Service said: “The Prison Rules, 2007 (S.I. No. 252/2007) set out the minimum rules and regulations on all aspects of life in prisons in Ireland, including admission, accommodation, visiting rights, health, discipline, education, and so forth. Much of the daily operation of prisons is guided by the Prison Rules.

“The Irish Prison Service must provide safe and secure custody for all prisoners and safe working conditions for all of its staff.

“The strengths, needs and risk profile of each prisoner are continuously assessed, taking into account the views of the prison-based professional multi-disciplinary team, to determine the most appropriate placement across the prison estate to support the safety and wellbeing of the individual, that of the staff body and wider prisoner population.

“The Irish Prison Service is continuing its work towards finalising a policy document for the management of prisoners who identify as transgender, and has extended the project to consider the supports for gender diversity in the prison environment more broadly.

“This work has included consultation with a wide spectrum of stakeholders, consideration of submissions received from interest groups, consultation with the Office of the Inspector of Prisons, and consideration of guidelines published by the Committee for Prevention of Torture, and Inhumane or Degrading Treatment & Punishment (CPT).

“The Irish Prison Service is currently engaging with internal stakeholders to gain learning and insight into the mapping of practical steps necessary to implement the policy before finalising the policy provisions.”