According to the latest data, the Irish prison system is operating at an alarming 111% capacity, with 4,995 individuals housed in a facility that can officially accommodate only 4,519. This results in around 245 prisoners sleeping on mattresses on the floor. The oversight indicates a critical challenge in managing custodial numbers and maintaining standards of safety and comfort for inmates.
In response to the pressing issue of overcrowding, the Irish Prison Service acknowledges it has no authority over intake numbers and must accommodate all individuals taken into custody. Ms. McEntee stated that short-term measures will create space for an additional 150 inmates this year, while exploring potential future solutions, such as utilizing military prison facilities.
Aontú leader TD Peadar Tóibín raised alarm over the consequences of overcrowding, expressing concern that current capacity issues may unfavorably affect judicial decisions related to sentencing. He highlighted the prevalence of repeat offenders not facing jail time and strongly advocated for the construction of a new prison to alleviate the systemic pressures.
The establishment of a prison overcrowding response group signifies the government’s proactive approach, with 12 measures already implemented to address the crisis. A new working group will consider future prison capacity needs up to 2035, further stressing the urgency for comprehensive planning and actionable recommendations to tackle the ongoing crisis.
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