The inspector of prisons is putting the final touches to a critical report of the training unit at Mountjoy Prison.

The low security unit prepares criminals for life outside jail, but Judge Michael Reilly does not believe it is being used to its full potential.

Last week, Finglas gangster Wayne Bradley was moved to the training unit at Mountjoy as he approaches the end of his sentence for taking part in a plot to steal almost €1m from a cash-in-transit van in 2007.

As one of just under 100 inmates being held in the semi-open prison, he has keys to his own room and is given the freedom to move from area to area without prison officers.

The training unit aims to prepare Bradley and the others for their pending release and re-integration into society.

Following a number of recent visits, the inspector of prisons has raised concerns about the unit.

Judge Reilly has told the Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald that he is worried it is not being used to its full potential and he is currently gathering more information for the purpose of a full report which should be finished before the end of the year.

Just a few days ago, Ms Fitzgerald announced the closure of Mountjoy's separation unit for protected prisoners after the Inspector found it to be overcrowded, filthy and not fit for purpose.