Executive summary: The Irish Prison Servrce has come under Increasing operational stress clue to an unprecedented Increase in prisoner population numbers. Throughout 2023 and into 2024 the prison service has been operating above 100% capacity. reaching as high as 109% in March 2024, with certain prisons consistently experiencing overcrowding significantly beyond 109%. Prison overcrowding involves the over-utilisation of physical space per prisoner in cells not intended for multiple occupancy, against the recommendations of the Council of Europe. The increase in population results in large numbers of prisoners sleeping on mattresses on the floor, and in the necessary redeployment of staff into landings, for safety reasons, diverting staff away from facil1tat1ng education and rehabilitative services. Prison overcrowding leads to an increased risk of violence for prisoners, threatens the health and safety of prison officers, and undermines the rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders, ultimately resulting in an increased threat to public safety. To address this, a Prison Overcrowding Response Group was established in July 2023. Following examination of a number of proposals, the Group has identified eleven priority actions. On 29 February 2024 the Director General of IPS also submitted five further related proposals These are now being submitted for cons1dcrat1on by the Minister.

P.44 Controlled drug offences: Between 2013 and 2022 the average sentence length for Controlled Drug Offences was 698 days. The number of average sentence days was much higher in the initial period, which fell into gradually into the lowest in 2017. The underlying trend line showed a steady decrease over this period (see report figure).

See also, link to IPRT website, where the report was published.