The Facts
1. There are 5,759 people in prison custody in Ireland (1 January 2026).
1. There are 5,759 people in prison custody in Ireland (1 January 2026).
2. The rate of imprisonment in Ireland is approximately 89 per 100,000 of the general population (beginning of 2023).
2. The rate of imprisonment in Ireland is approximately 82 per 100,000 of the general population (end of August 2022).
3. In 2024, the average cost of an “available, staffed prison space” was €99,072, a 11.9% increase from the year before.
3. In 2024, the average cost of an “available, staffed prison space” was €99,072, a 11.9% increase from the year before.
4. The overall daily average number of people in custody in 2024 was 4,941 compared to 4,582 in 2023, an increase of 7.8%.
4. The overall daily average number of people in custody in 2024 was 4,941 compared to 4,582 in 2023, an increase of 7.8%.
5. In 2024, there were 3,984 people in prison committed under sentence serving sentences of less than 12 months, an increase from 3,729 in 2023.
5. In 2024, there were 3,984 people in prison committed under sentence serving sentences of less than 12 months, an increase from 3,729 in 2023.
6. The majority of Irish prisoners have never sat a State exam and over half left school before the age of 15.
6. The majority of Irish prisoners have never sat a State exam and over half left school before the age of 15.
7. The average number of females in custody in 2024 was 251.
7. The average number of females in custody in 2024 was 251.
8. The daily average number of female offenders in custody rose by 14% in the ten-year period between 2012 and 2022
8. The daily average number of female offenders in custody rose by 29% in the ten year period between 2006 and 2016.
9. As of October 2024, there were 4 people in prison slopping out, without in-cell sanitation.
9. As of October 2024, there were 4 people in prison slopping out, without in-cell sanitation.
10. As of July 2024, 3,056 prisoners (60.9%) were required to use the toilet in the presence of another prisoner.
10. As of July 2024, 3,056 prisoners (60.9%) were required to use the toilet in the presence of another prisoner.
