The aim of this study was to gain more knowledge about Irish female prisoners, including information about their background, their health status, their psychiatric history and alcohol and drug use. The picture emerging from this study is that the majority of women in Irish prisons are in their twenties, and live in inner city Dublin. The majority of cases are for theft and drug related offences. The women are more likely to be abusing alcohol or drugs than the general population. It is hoped that the needs of these women will be considered when designing the new female prison, and that appropriate resources and facilities will be included in the design.