5th October, 2016
Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality, Frances Fitzgerald TD has warmly welcomed the election of Mr. Gerry McNally, Assistant Director of the Irish Probation Service, to the Office of President of the Confederation of European Probation (CEP), the European network of probation agencies and organisations. The election took place at the CEP’s General Assembly, in Bucharest, Romania, on Wednesday 5th October 2016. The CEP President holds office for a three year term.
Speaking on the development, Tánaiste, Frances Fitzgerald said: “I am delighted that the Probation Service’s Gerry McNally has been elected as CEP President. The appointment reflects a strong commitment to European-wide co-operation in addressing crime and managing offenders, and the significant contribution Ireland, and our criminal justice agencies, makes to that work.”
The Director of the Probation Service, Vivian Geiran, added: “Gerry’s election is a great honour, for the Probation Service and for Ireland, as well of course for Gerry himself. It reflects an acknowledgement of the Irish Probation Service’s commitment to the highest standards of practice, and of Gerry’s sterling dedication, over his long career, to probation work and its development, in Ireland and internationally.”
The Confederation of European Probation (CEP) is the European network of probation agencies and organisations. The CEP aims to promote the social inclusion of offenders through community sanctions and measures such as probation, community service, mediation and conciliation. The CEP is committed to enhancing the profile of probation and to improve professionalism in this field, on a national and a European level.
The CEP is celebrating the 35th anniversary of its establishment in 1981. Ireland and Northern Ireland were founding members of the CEP, and former Head of Probation, Mr. Martin Tansey, previously held the position of President, as well as being one of the CEP founders.
Gerry McNally holds the position of Assistant Director in the Probation Service since 2006 and has worked at all levels within the Probation Service since joining in 1978.
Relevant work experience – Probation Service in Ireland 1978 – to present:
1. Assistant Director in the Probation Service, 2006 – present
2. Assistant Principal Probation Officer, 2002 – 2006
3. Senior Probation Officer, 1995 – 2002
4. Probation Officer, 1978 – 1995
Education and Training:
1. Batchelor of Arts at University College, Dublin, 1971-1974.
2. Higher Diploma in Education at University College, Dublin, 1974 – 1975.
3. Diploma in Social Administration (Social Work) at University College, Dublin, 1976 – 1977.
4. Certificate Qualification in Social Work (CQSW), 1986 – 1987