Debate on overuse of prison is warranted

24th November 2025

IPRT Executive Director, Saoirse Brady is quoted in this report which focuses on the chronic overcrowding problem in Irish prisons with many prisoners being held in conditions that can be described as inhuman and degrading. 

"In 2025, we should not be talking about people in prison having to share with up to three other people in a small, restricted space, in many cases taken up by bunk beds, a mattress on the floor as well as an unpartitioned toilet, some without lids. Even for one person, these living spaces would be cramped and uncomfortable but the report points to some peoe having to eat their meals standing up or sitting on the floor, sometimes with no access to basis amenities like pillows or clothes-washing facilities."

The full article is found here.