Prisoners are to be allowed visits from family members on a evolving basis from July 14th.
The Irish Prison Service said inmates who have been vaccinated will be able to have visitors seven days after they have been fully vaccinated.
Visiting is to recommence in Wheatfield Prison on 14th July and in Portlaoise Prison on 16th. The recommencement will be subject to ongoing risk assessments and all visitors will continue to be subject to the Covid-19 screening procedures.
All prisoners will be entitled to receive one physical family visit per fortnight, of not more than 15 minutes duration. Prisoners may opt for two 20 minutes video visits if preferred. Prisoners who avail of a physical visit, will be also be entitled to one video visit of not more than 20 minutes duration per fortnight.
The physical visits will be limited to two visitors s one adult and one child.
The operation and frequency of visits will be kept under ongoing review. The Prison Service said its desire was to to support as much contact as possible between prisoners and their families.
