Governance

The ICPO was established in 1985 by the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference which is an assembly of Irish bishops working together on shared pastoral responsibilities and outreach across Ireland.

 

In 1985, the Irish Council for Prisoners Overseas (ICPO) was established as a subcommittee of the Irish Episcopal Council for Emigrants (IECE) in response to concerns regarding the number of Irish men and women in prisons in Britain. The ICPO was created to address the significant challenges faced by Irish people in prison abroad. These challenges include navigating unfamiliar legal systems, language barriers, isolation, discrimination, hardship, and for some, the absence of basic human rights, including limited access to necessities such as food, water and medical treatment. The ICPO now works with over 1,200 prisoners in over 30 countries around the world.

ICPO Members

Most Rev. Eamon Martin DD, Archbishop of Armagh

Most Rev. Francis Duffy DD, Archbishop of Tuam and Bishop of Killala

Most Rev. Dermot Farrell DD, Archbishop of Dublin

Most Rev. Kieran O’Reilly DD, Archbishop of Cashel and Emly

ICPO Board of Directors

Harry Casey (Chairperson)

Sr. Elizabeth Murphy (Secretary)

Paul Corcoran

Sandra Garry

Garry Doggett

Joanna Joyce

ICPO London Board of Trustees

Fr Gerry McFlynn (Chairperson)

Ruan Linders (Treasurer)

Harry Casey

 

Strategic Plan

In 2023, the ICPO developed its second strategic plan covering the years 2024-2027. This strategic plan sets out the actions to which the ICPO commits over the next four years in order to reach our organisational goals. These goals, and the actions we agree to take, are the result of consultation with the IECE, staff and volunteers, people in prison who we support and their families, as well as external organisations that the ICPO works closely alongside.

We have agreed ten strategic goals, which fall into three broad areas: support for Irish people in prison abroad and their families; policy, advocacy and awareness-raising and operations, impact and oversight.  For further information, click here