Average Number Of Prisoners In Irish Prisons Decreased Nearly 4% In 2020

Tuesday, 3 August 2021 10:45

By Ciara Noble @niaracoble

Irish Prison Services Annual Report

The average daily number of prisoners in Irish prisons decreased in 2020.

That's according to the Irish Prison Services Annual Report.

In 2020, the daily average number of prisoners in custody was 3,824 compared to 3,971 in 2019, a 3.7% decrease.

The average daily number of prisoners peaked at 4,108 in February 2020, decreasing to 3,824 in September.

Regarding Covid-19, the IPS spent €7 million aimed at preventing outbreaks of the virus at prisons across the country.

Director General of the IPS, Caron McCaffrey, noted the service managed 3 outbreaks of the virus at Irish prisons in 2020, at Midlands Prison, Portlaoise, Limerick & Wheatfield prisons.

Molly Joyce, Legal & Public Affairs Officer of the Irish Penal Reform Trust noted the "commendable" job carried out by the IPS, relating to the pandemic.

While the IPRT note positives in the report, it continues to call on the Minister for Justice to "publish all completed COVID-19 Thematic Prison Inspection reports and for the Irish Prison Service to publish prison census data".

Ms. Joyce joined Clem Ryan on this morning's edition of 'Kildare Today':

More from National News

Kildare Woman Forced To Urinate In Car Park As TD Pushes Law For ‘No Wait’ Toilet Access

Audio

Speaking to Kfm, Kildare woman Maria Crowe, who lives with a painful bladder condition, has to use a toilet every thirty minutes, day and night.
Dublin Jersey Among Tributes To Ryan Weir Gibbons - Death “Unnecessary And Tragic” Says Priest

Items reflecting his life and personality were brought to the altar, including a Dublin GAA jersey, his wallet and phone, a baseball cap, a can of Monster, and a cigarette and lighter - with mourners told he loved a “sneaky cigarette”.
Three Decades Later, Search For Answers In Jo Jo Dullard Case Continues

Audio

Jo Jo was last seen in Moone on November 10th 1995, after missing her bus home and hitching lifts.
EU Environment Commissioner Visits Kildare Farm Ahead Of Nitrates Derogation Talks

Jessika Roswall is in the country to assess how Irish farmers are managing stocking rates and environmental rules, ahead of a crucial EU decision that could see limits tightened further.
Defence Forces Conduct Readiness Exercise At Whitewater Shopping Centre In Newbridge

Previously, the Army's elite Ranger Wing has conducted training at the same location.
Call For Sanitary Bins In Men’s Toilets To Support Prostate Cancer Survivors

Audio

Each year, around 4000 men in Ireland are diagnosed with the disease, with research from PHS and the Irish Cancer Society finding more than half of men with incontinence feel anxious because of poor toilet facilities.
Kfm Strengthens Position As Kildare’s Most Listened-To Station, According To Latest Ipsos/MRBI Report

Kfm CEO Clem Ryan said: “This latest research is a major reflection of the power of local radio, which showcases local issues , and where advertisers reach their target customers in real time."
Quarter Of Uisce Éireann Staff Earned Over €100k Last Year

Audio

Officials from Uisce Eireann are appearing before the Public Accounts Committee, outlining the company’s financial statements for 2024.