Ireland's prison system 'inhumane', says Irish Penal Reform Trust
2nd December 2025
Ireland's prison system is described as "overwhelmed, overstretched and inhumane," according to the 2024 Progress in the Penal System Report by The Irish Penal Reform Trust (IPRT). The report highlighted that the prison population surpassed 5,000 for the first time in June 2024, with 213 people sleeping on mattresses on the floor.
IPRT Executive Director Saoirse Brady said the situation has worsened, with over 600 inmates currently sleeping on floor mattresses. She described cramped conditions, noting that in some cells, prisoners must sleep beside open toilets, and 62% must use toilets in front of others.
Brady also warned of unsafe custody levels across all Irish prisons, with some facilities operating far above recommended capacity. She emphasized that many prisoners face issues such as homelessness and addiction, often without adequate support, and called for imprisonment to be a last resort, advocating for more community-based sanctions.
The Justice Minister's proposals to expand community service for those serving sentences up to two years were welcomed as a step in the right direction.
