IPRT Responds to OIP Report Highlighting Record Deaths and Prison Overcrowding
7th November 2025
The Irish Penal Reform Trust (IPRT) said the latest Office of the Inspector of Prisons (OIP) annual report “paints a bleak picture of prison conditions in 2024”. The report reveals that Irish prisons are at breaking point, with severe overcrowding and a record number of deaths in custody.
IPRT expressed serious concern that the situation continues to deteriorate, warning that expanding prison capacity is not a sustainable solution. Instead, the organisation is calling for urgent action to reduce the prison population, improve living conditions, and ensure the safety and dignity of all those in custody.
Related items:
- Government Action Urged On Prison Conditions - Midlands 103 FM
- News at One coverage of Prison inspection reports - RTE Radio One
- Cork Prison is the second most overcrowded prison in Ireland - Red FM
- Press Release: IPRT responds to new Inspection Reports from the Office of the Inspector of Prisons highlighting serious failings
- Prisoner numbers on course to reach 'unimaginable' level - The Irish Examiner
