Irish prison system breaking point as shock report details ‘lack of dignity’ & ‘inhumane’ conditions amid overcrowding (The Irish Sun)
2nd December 2025
In this article, the IPRT warns that Ireland’s prison system is at breaking point due to severe overcrowding. Its latest report highlights regression in 11 areas, including humane prison conditions, time out of cell, and the use of force.
IPRT Executive Director Saoirse Brady said over 600 people are sleeping on mattresses on the floor beside toilets, describing the system as “overwhelmed, overstretched, and inhumane.” She emphasized that building more space alone will not solve the crisis and that investment should focus on preventing reoffending through community support and diversion programs.
The report notes that the prison population has reached 5,700, with almost two-thirds of inmates forced to use toilets in front of others. IPRT calls for urgent systemic reform, including better support for prisoners and greater emphasis on community-based alternatives.
Related items:
- Prison overcrowding group to meet after capacity crisis warning
- Continued reliance on ‘single separation' of children at Oberstown detention centre
- IPRT Submission to the Office of the High Commissioner of Human Rights on the fourth Universal Periodic Review of Ireland
- Inmates still earn just 50c for a day's work in Irish prisons
- Round-up: IPRT Report Launch: From Punishment to Prevention: Poverty, Inequality and Pathways into the Irish Criminal Justice System
