New rules for prisons which came into force yesterday allow for mandatory drug-testing of prisoners for the first time.
The measure was originally promised more than five years ago in a programme for government drawn up by Fianna Fáil and the Progressive Democrats.
The new rules also make it illegal for a prisoner to use or possess a mobile phone.
The abuse of prison rules caused a major embarrassment for the Government and prison authorities earlier this year when it emerged that dozens of prisoners in the State's most secure jail in Portlaoise had access to mobile phones, drugs, needles and even a budgie.
The new prison rules address all areas of prison life, including accommodation, visiting rights, discipline, health and education. They also set out the duties and responsibilities of prison officers and governors.
As well as introducing new disciplinary rules, prisoners will have the right to seek redress if they feel they have been unfairly treated.
Minister for Justice Brian Lenihan said the measures would ensure that effective and transparent disciplinary procedures operate within our prisons.
"The new procedures balance the need to promote discipline among the prison population along with the right of prisoners to seek redress if they feel they have not been treated fairly," he said. "The introduction of these provisions reflects a continued commitment to the modernisation of the prison service."
A system of early release incentives for some categories of prisoners is also being introduced, if they agree to undergo rehabilitative programmes while in prison.
Until now sex offenders or drug addicts had been entitled to remission equal to 25 per cent of their sentences. However, under the new system, sex offenders and drug-addicted inmates will be entitled to remission only if they undergo rehabilitation.
The new rules on mandatory drug-testing form party of the Government's plan to make prisons drug-free environments.
However, the plans have been widely criticised by campaigners who say such moves will only work if combined with a significant investment in rehabilitation services.
Prison chaplains and human rights groups say the lack of access to such services is the most important issue that needs to be addressed.
The new appeals system for prisoners, meanwhile, means inmates may challenge sanctions imposed by them by governors in cases where they lose remission of their sentence.
Prisoners will be entitled to legal representation. Interested solicitors and barristers have been invited to apply for appointment to the appeal tribunal or to a panel of legal representatives who will be assigned to represent prisoners at appeals.
