WATCH: New virtual tour of Midlands Prison in Portlaoise

The Irish Prison Service (IPS) has launched a 360° virtual prison tour where the public, which it says gives the public the opportunity see and travel within a live operational prison.

The IPS says the new initiative, which is modelled on the Midlands Prison in Portlaoise, follows the Criminal Justice Sectoral Strategy 2022 – 2024 commitment to increase public awareness and understanding of the criminal justice system, develop a structured form of engagement with their key stakeholders to support the development of services and the formulation of policy.

"This initiative builds on the commitment to join-up the criminal justice system that protects human rights, builds public confidence and trust, and works together to improve efficiency and the experience of stakeholders to support a safe, fair and inclusive Ireland.

"With the ability to see a prison in advance, it will help address issues for vulnerable people, people coming into custody for the first time, people visiting prisons with a disabilities, educating young people and the various people that interact with the prison service on a day to day basis," says the IPS.

Pictured: Midlands Prison, Portlaoise is Ireland's biggest jail.

"This innovative project will greatly enhance the public’s understanding of how our prisons operate. It can also serve as a positive recruitment tool to provide those contemplating a career as a prison officer with the ability to tour their future workplace, he said.

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The video does not address issues such as overcrowding or other shortcomings facing prisoners and prison officers on a daily basis.