Minister Justice and Defence Alan Shatter has announced the appointment of Probation Service director Michael Donnellan as new director general of the Irish Prison Service.
Mr Donnellan replaces Brian Purcell, who recently became secretary general of the Department of Justice.
The appointment of Mr Donnellan has been made following an open competition through the public appointments service.
He takes on his new role at a time of continuing crisis within the prison service, with worsening chronic overcrowding now forcing the release of more than 15 per cent of the prisoner population – almost 800 prisoners - because there is no room for
them in jail.
The appointment of Mr Donnellan from the probation service will increase speculation that the Government will now move in a more concerted fashion towards replacing short prison sentences with non custodial options, such as periods under probation and community service.
A pilot programme has already begun under which small numbers of prisoners have been released early in exchange of agreeing to undergo community service.
Mr Donnellan will take up his new posting on December 5th.