The key function of any inspectorate body is to carry out inspections and this is equally true for the role of Inspector of Prisons. Section 31(1) of the Act places an obligation on the Inspector of Prisons to carry out regular inspections of prisons. Although the legislation does not define “regular inspections”, international practice indicates a full inspection every three years as the sector norm. In addition to inspections, the Inspector of Prisons may be requested by the Minister for Justice to carry out an investigation into any matter arising out of the management or operation of a prison, and if so requested, is obliged to carry out the investigation. The Inspector may carry out an investigation of her own volition.

In response to the pandemic, and the need to monitor the situation within prisons for prisoners and staff, the Inspector suspended her general inspection programme in 2021 and embarked on a COVID-19 focused inspection schedule, designed to provide a human rights-based assessment of the response of the Prison Service to the pandemic. All 12 prisons were inspected in 2021.