book a visit to cloverhill prison

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Visiting someone in prison

Introduction, covid-19 updates, how to arrange a visit, how visits work, money transfers to prisoners’ accounts, rights and entitlements of prisoners, further information.

If a member of your family is in prison, visits can help you stay in contact and maintain a healthy relationship. You can also keep in touch by letter and your family member can contact you by telephone.

Prison visits are important to maintain relationships and support the prisoner's mental wellbeing. Stable family relationships and community ties have also been recognised as important factors in helping with the resettlement and reintegration of prisoners in civil society.

The rules governing prison visits in Ireland are set out in sections 35-50 of Prison Rules, 2007 .

You can find out more about the process of requesting a professional visit to a prisoner on the Irish Prison Service website.

The Irish Prison Service has reintroduced physical visits . Prisoners can have a video visit instead of a physical visit if they prefer.

A maximum of 5 persons are allowed per visit with a maximum of 3 adults. You must wear a face covering.

You can continue to arrange video visits using the Irish Prison Service website.

A minimum of 48 hours’ notice must be given when requesting a visit to any prison in Ireland.

Visits can be requested online , over the phone or, in some cases, in person at the visitors’ centre. You can read the Irish Prison Service’s Family Information Booklet for information (pdf) about how visits work.

When submitting an online request for a visit, you must provide:

• The name and PRIS number of the prisoner you wish to visit, and whether you wish to visit in person or online
• Your name, date of birth, address, email and telephone number
• Details of any extra visitors coming with you (if any)
• Up to 2 proposed visit times and dates
• The number of children you will bring (if any)

A visit is not confirmed until a formal email is received confirming the date and time of the intended visit from the prison. This should be printed off and brought with you to the prison when visiting.

In most cases, a prisoner can nominate at least 6 people who may visit them. If you are not on the list, it is unlikely that you be able to arrange a visit. This is the case irrespective of your relationship to the prisoner, and a prisoner does not have to meet with a visitor.

Identification

You must bring valid photo identification to the prison, such as a current passport or driver’s license. If you don’t, you may be refused entry.

You must also identify the prisoner you are visiting and provide details of your relationship to them.

Airport-style walk-through detectors and x-ray scanners are installed in every closed prison in Ireland, and sniffer dogs from the Garda Canine Unit may also be present for the purposes of detecting banned substances.

You may be searched to ensure that you are not in possession of prohibited materials upon entering the prison. The search must be carried out with due regard to your decency and it must be conducted by at least 2 prison guards of your gender.

If you do not consent to be searched, the governor can refuse you entry to the prison.

What can I take into a prison?

Visitors are required to deposit their phones and any personal items in the area provided at the visitors centre before entering the prison.

If you want to give something to your family member, you must check that it is permitted by the prison in advance. Anything you take in must be handed to the officer in charge of visits.

You will not be allowed to enter a prison if you are carrying any of following items:

• Mobile phones or chargers
• Any item which could be used as a weapon, particularly sharp items
• Medicines and drugs, including prescription drugs

All prisons implement certain measures to regulate and monitor visits in the interests of health and safety. Most visits are supervised in sight, but not in hearing.

For example, while prisons must provide facilities to allow a prisoner and visitor to see and talk to one another, the visit may be screened with the use of glass, or other types of screens, to prevent physical contact.

It is at the discretion of the prison governor to allow physical contact between a prisoner and a visitor when they are satisfied that such contact will not facilitate the entry into the prison of controlled drugs or other prohibited articles or substances.

The Irish Council for Prisoners Overseas has published a guide (pdf) on how to get the most out of a prison visit, including advice on planning visits and respecting prison rules.

Children visiting a prison

In most cases, anyone under the age of 18 who is visiting a prison must be accompanied by an adult.

Due to prison security measures and the regulated nature of visits, it can often be a stressful experience for a child to visit somebody in prison. It can be beneficial, therefore, to prepare a child on what to expect when visiting a prison.

You can read the Irish Prison Service’s Family Information Booklet (pdf) for information about how visits work.

You can transfer funds to people in prison. All transactions should be completed within 2 to 5 working days.

For general queries about lodging money into a prisoner’s account, you can email [email protected] .

An Post BillPay Card

Your relative or friend in prison must nominate you as a person who can receive An Post BillPay card (pdf) from the Irish Prison Service.

Once you receive the BillPay Card, you can call in to any post office in Ireland, hand the BillPay Card in at the counter and lodge funds in cash or by debit card.

You will be given a receipt, which you should keep as proof of payment. The maximum transaction is €200. The card may be shared by family members to send funds to the person in custody.

Bank transfer

You can also transfer funds from your bank account to that of a friend or relative in prison by bank transfer (pdf) .

You can do this through your bank’s website or app, or by calling into your bank. The maximum transaction is €200 and any payment over this amount will be returned.

To make the transfer, you will need:

• The Irish Prison Service’s BIC and IBAN (pdf) , and
• The prisoner ID number, which should be entered into the reference box for the transaction (if not entered or entered incorrectly, the person in custody cannot receive the funds)

The visitation entitlements of prisoners vary based on their custodial status.

The Irish Prison Service also operates an Incentivised Regimes Policy, rewarding prisoners for good behaviour with increased visitation and other entitlements. You can read more about the Incentivised Regimes Policy (pdf) .

You can also learn more about prisoners’ rights and entitlements in our page on prison conditions .

Physical or online visits

Prisoners are entitled to receive at least one family visit per week, which can be either online or in person. If the visit is online, it can last up to 20 minutes.

The following rules apply for physical visits:

• A sentenced prisoner who is 18 or over is allowed a minimum of one 30 minute visit from relatives or friends each week
• A sentenced prisoner who is under 18 is allowed a minimum of 2, 30 minute visits from relatives or friends each week
• A remand prisoner is allowed one visit per day from relatives or friends for at least 15 minutes a minimum of 3 times a week

A remand prisoner is someone who has yet to be convicted of a criminal offence and is remanded in custody while awaiting trial. You can read more about the rights of remand prisoners .

The governor of a prison can allow for additional or longer visits where circumstances permit. They may also prohibit a prisoner from receiving visitors.

Telephone calls

Subject to the availability of facilities:

• A convicted prisoner who is 18 or over is entitled to make at least one telephone call per week to a family member or friend
• A convicted prisoner under 18 is entitled to make at least 2 telephone calls per week to a family member or friend
• A remand prisoner is entitled to make at least 5 telephone calls per week to a family member or friend, and as many telephone calls as are reasonably necessary for the purpose of managing their property or business affairs

In strictly limited circumstances, where a governor has grounds to believe that a phone call may compromise the health and safety of a prisoner or member of the community, they may order that a call be monitored, recorded or prematurely terminated.

A prisoner is entitled to send letters to their family and friends, and to receive as many letters as are sent to them.

However, any prisoner who sends more than 7 letters in a single week may have to pay for postage and writing materials for any more letters they send.

Examination of letters

The governor can open, examine and confiscate:

• A letter being sent by a prisoner if its contents are suspected of undermining the safety and welfare of others (this does not apply to a letter to a professional recipient, such as a legal advisor or court official)
• A letter that has been sent to a prisoner if there are grounds to believe that its contents may compromise secure custody in prison, or would facilitate or hamper an investigation into a criminal offence

Foreign nationals

The following rules apply if you are a foreign national:

• A foreign national is entitled to receive a visit from their consul
• A stateless person is entitled to receive a visit from the consul of a state of their choosing
• An asylum applicant is entitled to receive a visit from a consul of a state of their choosing, as well as any national or international organisations deemed appropriate by the Minister for Justice

Unless the governor otherwise directs, all such visits to foreign nationals will take place in the hearing and view of a prison officer.

Irish Prison Service

IDA Business Park Ballinalee Road Longford Co. Longford Ireland

Related documents

• Prison system in Ireland This document provides practical information about the structure and operation of the prison system in Ireland. 1126.9264
• Prisoners' rights The main source of prisoners' rights is the Prison Rules 2007. Find out more. 941.148
• Irish prisoners overseas Irish prisoners overseas face significant difficulties and in some jurisdictions prison conditions and safety can be a major cause of concern. 931.3043

If you have a question about this topic you can contact the Citizens Information Phone Service on 0818 07 4000 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 8pm).

You can also contact your local Citizens Information Centre .

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Service Profile

Cloverhill prison, description, phone number, email address, organisation's catchment area(s).

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East Region Prison Visitor Centres

East Region Prison Visitor Centres is a collaboration between the Society of St. Vincent De Paul and the Dublin Quakers (Society of Friends). With funding and support from the Irish Prison Service, designated centres were first provided in 1999. These centres provide a basic hospitality service in Cloverhill Remand Prison, Mountjoy Prison, Dochas Centre and most recently (2016) Wheatfield Prison.

Prison Visitation Centres

Prison Visitor Centres provide free tea, coffee and snack bar to visitors before and after their visit.

They provide fully equipped play areas which are staffed by qualified childcare workers and children can avail of play and arts and crafts activities before and after their visit.

Visitation centres offer several services to all those affected by the imprisonment of a loved one, these services include;

• Parenting advice and support
• Family support
• Information and advocacy services.

We aim to provide an essential, safe, pleasant, caring and supportive environment to each and every visitor prior to and after their prison visit. There are 15 staff, (7 full-time and 8 part-time) working alongside a number of volunteers.

The overall direction of the centres is managed by the Prison Visitor Centres Management Committee and members include representatives from SVP, the Society of Friends and the Irish Prison Service.

SVP East Region Prison Visitor Centres are of great benefit to families visiting loved ones in prison. We play a crucial role in maintaining the bond between the child/family and the person imprisoned. We do this by providing facilities and compassionate support to children and their families who need to help them cope with having a loved one in prison.

Prior to the establishment of SVP East Region Prison Visitor Centres, provision was minimal. The absence of an adequate place for visitors to go before and after their prison visit added greatly to the emotional distress of having to visit a loved one in prison.

The number of people using our services is significant. The average number of visitors per month is reaching 4,000.

Family Support Services

Family members of those imprisoned are often referred to as "hidden victims" of the criminal justice system who are neither acknowledged nor given a platform to be heard. These hidden victims receive little personal support. They do not benefit from the social mechanisms generally available to direct crime victims, despite the fact that they too suffer the consequences of the crimes committed.

Children whose parents are involved in the criminal justice system, in particular, face a host of challenges and difficulties. These can include or result in:

• psychological strain,
• antisocial behaviour,
• suspension or expulsion from school,
• economic hardship, and
• criminal activity.

It is difficult to predict how a child will fare when a parent is intermittently or continually imprisoned. Research findings on these children's risk factors are mixed. However, research suggests that the strength or weakness of the parent-child bond and the quality of the child and family's support system. This plays a significant role in the child's ability to overcome challenges and succeed in life. Therefore, it is critical that the bond between the child/family and the person imprisoned is supported and encouraged.

Staff and Volunteers

The success of what we do depends on our staff and volunteers. All are highly committed to working with the visitors that use our service. Commitment enables friendship and friendship builds trust. This is crucial when working with vulnerable and distressed visitors. We are also very lucky to have an excellent working relationship with prison staff.

We see daily the benefits for those using our services, many of whom are often in a vulnerable state. SVP provides a listening ear and a friendly face to help people cope with the reality of having a loved one in prison. We strive to make the visiting experience a positive one and hope to create some happy memories along the way.

Keep up to date with SVP

Cloverhill Prison, Dublin 22

Table of Contents

Introduction

Welcome to an in-depth exploration of Cloverhill Prison, located in Dublin 22. As a prominent correctional facility in Ireland, Cloverhill plays a crucial role in the criminal justice system. This article aims to provide you with comprehensive insights into the prison, including its history, facilities, inmate population, rehabilitation programs, and more. So, let’s delve into the world of Cloverhill Prison and gain a deeper understanding of its operations.

History of Cloverhill Prison

Cloverhill Prison was established in [year] and has since become a vital component of Ireland’s prison infrastructure. It was designed as a medium-security prison, accommodating a diverse range of inmates. Over the years, Cloverhill has undergone several renovations and expansions to meet the growing demands of the criminal justice system.

Facilities and Security Measures

One of the noteworthy aspects of Cloverhill Prison is its modern and well-maintained facilities. The prison complex comprises multiple buildings that house both inmates and staff. The security measures at Cloverhill are stringent, ensuring the safety and control of the facility. The perimeter is equipped with advanced surveillance systems, and access to different areas is carefully regulated.

Inmate Population and Categories

Cloverhill Prison caters to a diverse inmate population. It accommodates individuals who are on remand, awaiting trial or sentencing. Additionally, prisoners serving short sentences or those undergoing transfers to other prisons may also be housed in Cloverhill. The prison has separate wings or units to cater to different categories of inmates, ensuring appropriate classification and management.

Rehabilitation Programs

Rehabilitation plays a crucial role in the Irish correctional system, and Cloverhill Prison is no exception. The prison offers a range of rehabilitation programs aimed at reducing recidivism and preparing inmates for successful reintegration into society. These programs include vocational training, substance abuse counseling, anger management courses, and educational opportunities.

Mental Health Support

Recognizing the importance of mental health, Cloverhill Prison provides comprehensive mental health support to its inmates. The prison has dedicated healthcare professionals who assess and address the mental health needs of individuals in custody. This includes counseling services, therapy sessions, and access to psychiatric care when required.

Education and Vocational Training

Education is an integral part of the rehabilitation process, and Cloverhill Prison emphasizes the importance of providing educational opportunities to inmates. The prison offers a variety of educational programs, ranging from basic literacy and numeracy courses to more advanced subjects. Additionally, vocational training programs are available to equip inmates with practical skills that can enhance their employability upon release.

Healthcare Services

Maintaining the health and well-being of inmates is a top priority at Cloverhill Prison. The facility has a well-equipped healthcare unit staffed by medical professionals who provide primary healthcare services to the inmate population. In cases requiring specialized treatment, inmates may be transferred to external medical facilities under appropriate supervision.

Family Support and Visitation

Recognizing the significance of family connections, Cloverhill Prison facilitates visitation for inmates to maintain healthy relationships with their loved ones. The prison has designated visitation areas where family members can meet and interact with the inmates. Moreover, the prison administration promotes family support programs to ensure a supportive environment for both inmates and their families.

Staff and Administration

Behind the smooth functioning of Cloverhill Prison is a dedicated team of staff and administrators. Prison officers ensure the security and order within the facility, while administrative personnel handle the day-to-day operations. The staff at Cloverhill undergoes specialized training to effectively manage the prison environment and ensure the welfare of both inmates and colleagues.

Challenges and Criticisms

Like any correctional facility, Cloverhill Prison faces its share of challenges and criticisms. Overcrowding, limited resources, and the complexities of managing a diverse inmate population present ongoing hurdles. Furthermore, criticisms related to the efficacy of rehabilitation programs and concerns regarding the prison’s ability to address mental health issues continue to be subjects of discussion and improvement.

Future Plans and Improvements

In response to the challenges faced, Cloverhill Prison is actively working on plans and improvements to enhance its operations. These initiatives may include expanding facilities, increasing staff resources, and further developing rehabilitation programs. By addressing these areas, Cloverhill aims to provide a safer, more effective environment for inmates and staff alike.

Cloverhill Prison, Dublin 22, is an essential component of Ireland’s correctional system. With its commitment to security, rehabilitation, and inmate well-being, Cloverhill strives to strike a balance between punishment and reintegration. By providing facilities, educational opportunities, mental health support, and rehabilitation programs, the prison plays a vital role in facilitating positive change and reducing recidivism among its inmate population.

1. How can I contact an inmate at Cloverhill Prison? To contact an inmate at Cloverhill Prison, you can send a letter to the following address: [Address]. Please ensure that you include the inmate’s name and prisoner number for accurate delivery.

2. Are there any volunteer opportunities available at Cloverhill Prison? Yes, Cloverhill Prison offers volunteer opportunities for individuals interested in contributing to the rehabilitation and support of inmates. You can contact the prison administration for further information on available programs.

3. Can inmates pursue higher education while at Cloverhill Prison? Yes, Cloverhill Prison provides educational opportunities, including higher education programs, to inmates. These programs are designed to equip inmates with valuable skills and qualifications.

4. Are there any restrictions on visitation at Cloverhill Prison? Visitation at Cloverhill Prison is subject to certain restrictions and guidelines. It is advisable to consult the prison’s official website or contact the administration for specific visitation rules and requirements.

5. How does Cloverhill Prison ensure the safety and security of inmates? Cloverhill Prison employs various security measures, including surveillance systems, controlled access, and trained prison officers, to ensure the safety and security of inmates within the facility.

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Minister opens facility for remand prisoners

The state's first facility specifically for remand prisoners, together with an adjoining courts complex, has been opened at cloverhill….

The State's first facility specifically for remand prisoners, together with an adjoining courts complex, has been opened at Cloverhill in west Dublin beside the existing Wheatfield Prison, which opened in the mid-1990s.

Cloverhill will hold up to 450 prisoners in single, double and treble cell accommodation depending on the length of time they are spending in prison awaiting trial.

Prisoners will be led from the jail through an underground tunnel to the new courthouse just outside the perimeter wall. The courthouse, which has rooms for District, Circuit and High Court proceedings, will open for the Michaelmas law term in October.

The first prisoners are expected to arrive at Cloverhill in the coming weeks. The complex was officially inaugurated yesterday by the Minister for Justice, Mr O'Donoghue. He pointed out that it ended the remand role of Mountjoy, which has been the receiving centre for all prisoners arriving from courts for the past 150 years.

When Cloverhill is fully operational, with a staff of about 300 officers, it will also greatly reduce the need for the daily escorting of prisoners to court appearances. It is estimated that this will save the State more than £6 million a year in costs and overtime payments to guards.

Cloverhill is laid out in five two-storey blocks which include a special assessment unit. It is designed to maximise the amount of natural light. The complex is surrounded by a 23-foot concrete wall. The design is officially described as "effective yet unoppressive".

Prisoners will be provided with what the Department of Justice describes as a comprehensive range of support facilities, including education in life skills, computer skills, physical education, medical, counselling, library, chaplaincy and a range of indoor recreational activities. The assessment unit will house 50 prisoners who will undergo evaluation before being transferred to other prisons.

The completion of Cloverhill will be followed by the building of the new Midlands Prison, holding 515 inmates at Portlaoise.

The Irish Penal Reform Trust yesterday criticised the decision to have triple prisoner cells at Cloverhill, but prison sources said these would only be used for prisoners spending only a few days in custody before release. The majority of prisoners - those facing minor offences - passing through Cloverhill are likely to spend less than three days in custody before being released on bail.

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Please see our video on Video Visits

Video phones for the purpose of family video calls have been installed in all locations across the prison estate and are now operational. While our video phones help to keep families in contact with loved ones the amount of visits that can take place on a daily basis is lower than would normally happen with physical visits to prisons.

As a result we have needed to change the process for arranging a visit and reduce significantly the number of visitors a prisoner can have. Due to the limitations on the number of video visiting slots it is no longer possible for families to book the visit. Under the new arrangements the prisoner must identify a visitor and prison staff will arrange for the visitor to be notified by email of the date and time of the visit and how to access the visit on the day. “How to guides” are published below to help you through this process.

We will keep you informed of the plans to return to more normal visits as soon as possible.

Accessing the Video Visit

  To help you access a family video visit we have developed a “How to Guide” to explain the process more clearly. We have also created some “troubleshooting” documents for those of you who have Samsung devices and those that have Huawei devices as these can cause difficulties. Those using iPhones should be able to connect by clicking the link in the email that you will receive.

It is important that you read the “How to Guide” and also the troubleshooting guide as this may help prevent any difficulties when you go to connect. If using a Samsung or Huawei device you MUST ensure Chrome is set as your default browser. The troubleshooting guides will tell you how to do that.  The video below will also help explain what to do.

Here is some useful links in English,

How To Guide for Family Video Link 28 April 2020

SAMSUNG Trouble Shoot 27 April 2020

Huawei Trouble Shoot 27 April 2020

Here is some useful links in Polish,

How to Guide for Family Video Links Polish 

Samsung Trouble Shoot Polish

Huawei Trouble Shoot Polish

Here is some useful links in Lithuanian,

How to Guide for Family Video Links Lithuanian 

Samsung Trouble Shoot Lithuanian

Huawei Trouble Shoot Lithuanian

Here is some useful links in Vietnamese,

How to Guide for Family Video Links Vietnamese 

Samsung Trouble Shoot Vietnamese

Huawei Trouble Shoot Vietnamese

Here is some useful links in Latvian,

How to Guide for Family Video Links Latvian

Samsung Trouble Shoot Latvian

Huawei Trouble Shoot Latvian

Here is some useful links in Arabic,

How to Guide for Family Video Links Arabic

Samsung Trouble Shoot Arabic

Huawei Trouble Shoot Arabic

Here is some useful links in Romanian,

How to Guide for Family Video Links Romanian

Samsung Trouble Shoot Romanian

Huawei Trouble Shoot Romanian

Irish Prison Service, IDA Business Park, Ballinalee Road, Longford, Co. Longford Tel: 043 333 5100 Fax: 043 333 5371 Email:  info@irishprisons.ie

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Irish Prison Service

The purpose of this Privacy Policy is so that individuals understand how we process their information.

We will process any personal information provided to us by individuals, whether it be provided through our website ( www.irishprisons.ie ), customer application form, telephone, email or by any other means, or otherwise held by us in relation to you in the manner set out in this policy.

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The Process

When visiting a Prison, you will be required to pass the security screening process which will include some or all of the following:

• X Ray machine
• Walk through metal detector
• Narcotic / explosive swab detection
• Canine screening
• Pat down search

Should you fail any part of the screening process, a pat down search will then be conducted. Prior to commencing a pat down search, the officer will activate their body worn camera, to record visual and audio footage at that time.

Please note the onus is on the visitor to pass all aspects of the screening process.

Should staff feel it necessary at any point during the screening process, they will also activate the body worn camera for incidents such as threatening and abusive behavior

In order to assist with the screening process:

• Please do not bring any personal belongings or items with you (place all such items in the lockers provided in the waiting room)
• You should only have your photo I.D and locker key on your person when proceeding to the screening area
• Be mindful of the clothing you wear. Clothing with high volume of metal is likely to activate the walk through metal detector & this may lead to restrictions on the type of visit offered or even cancellation of a visit
• Please familiarise yourself with the information and instructional video available on the screen in the waiting room prior to entering the prison.

Prisoner Property

All private/personal property delivered to the prison on behalf of individual prisoners is done so entirely at the prisoner’s own risk. Neither the Governor nor the Irish Prison Service will accept liability for any such property lost, damaged or stolen whilst in transit, in delivery in storage, or in the possession of the prisoner. The Irish Prison Service can accept prisoner property at prison entrances, during family visits to the prison or by post.

The following table outlines a list of authorised items that can be delivered to a prison on behalf of individual prisoners:

The following items are prohibited and will not be accepted by the Irish Prison Service:

• Any clothing that resemble staff uniform items
• No hooded tops
• No steel toe-cap footwear
• Limited belt buckle size
• No ties, braces, sunglasses, hats, caps.
• No clothing with offensive logos (sexist, racial. drug, gang related) etc.
• Large rings
• Long or heavy neck chains
• Only one musical instrument is permitted per prisoner
• Toiletries – can be purchased via prison tuck shop
• No radios – in cell radios are in place
• Reading materials – these are provided by the library service in the prison

It is important to note that all items of private/personal property are subject to Governors permission. Different prisons have differing policies in relation to items a prisoner can have in their cell. This is a matter decided by the Governor of each prison taking into account the security environment in each prison. All items received into the prison will be subject to the necessary security screening.

If you have been approached or put under pressure to smuggle contraband into a prison, please inform an officer or make contact using the confidential phone line (1800 855 717)

All such instances will be treated in the strictest of confidence.