The Inspector of Prisons, former High Court judge Dermot Kinlen, has died, it has been announced.
Mr Justice Kinlen, who was highly critical of conditions in prisons in his annual reports to the Department of Justice, had been appointed to the role on a statutory basis on May 1 stthis year. He had served in the role on a non-statutory basis since his April 2002.
He died today at his home in Co Kerry.
Minister for Justice Brian Lenihan said he had learned of Mr Justice Kinlen's death with deep regret.
"Dermot Kinlen was a personal friend and professional colleague of mine. He had a distinguished career as a barrister and served as a Judge of the High Court," Mr Lenihan said.
"He had a huge personal interest in the welfare of prisoners at home and abroad. He did so both as a member of prison visiting committees in this jurisdiction and as a representative of the International Commission of Jurists.
"Following his appointment as our Inspector of Prisons, in April 2002, he continued to be a trenchant advocate of the rights of prisoners. I would like to convey my personal condolences to his family and to his many friends and colleagues."
The Prison Officers' Association (POA) also expressed its sympathies to Mr Justice Kinlen's family. POA general secretary John Clinton said: "Justice Kinlen was a courageous and dedicated Inspector of Prisons.
"He sought answers and spoke the truth in the very best interests of prisoners and prison staff. He did a wonderful job and all us will remember him as a man of empathy and immense courage."
President of the Irish Human Rights Commission Dr Maurice Manning said: "I will remember Dermot Kinlen as a great champion of human rights, a man of courtesy and compassion. As Inspector of Prisons, Judge Kinlen worked tirelessly to highlight poor conditions in Irish prisons and was forthright in advocating the need for radical reform of the prison system."
Labour Party justice spokesman Brendan Howlin said Justice Kinlen was "a diligent and courageous man of reform, who will be greatly missed".
Green Party justice spokesman Ciarán Cuffe said Mr Kinlen "worked tirelessly to highlight the unacceptable conditions in our prisons, and his unique and fearless voice will be sorely missed".
Mr Justice Kinlen's removal service will take place at Donnybrook Church in Dublin this Friday July 20th at 5pm.
He will be buried at Deansgrange Cemetery on Saturday following 10am mass.