The new governor of Mountjoy Prison has started his first week in the job. Brian Murphy was appointed following an open recruitment drive and takes over from Edward Whelan following his retirement.

Mr Murphy has served in a wide range of roles in the civil service and was appointed director of operations in the Irish Prison Service two years ago.

He took up his new role as campus governor of Mountjoy Prison yesterday and succeeds Edward Whelan, who hangs up his keys later this month.

His predecessor has left the prison in the good shape, according to a recent visiting committee report.

It found that great strides were being made to eliminate the simple warehousing of prisoners and praised Mr Whelan and his staff for their continuing improvements in work placement activities and education.

Drugs continue to cause problems within the prison however.

In late July, a prisoner died after swallowing a bag of heroin in an attempt to hide it from prison officers.

But the Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald has every faith in the new governor and feels the experience Mr Murphy brings ensures he has "all the qualities needed for such a unique and challenging role."