The issue of overcrowding has continued this year, with the system operating at more than 120% capacity. Photograph: David SleatorThe Irish prison system is “at breaking point”, and an overcrowding crisis demands an urgent response from the Government and State agencies, according to a watchdog. The Progress in Prison Standards report, published on Tuesday by the Irish Penal Reform Trust, found the level of overcrowding is stymying improvements and played a big role in standards falling in key areas last year. There were upwards of 5,700 people in prison but only 4,702 beds, said the trust’s executive director, Saoirse Brady. The prison system, said Ms Brady, “has far too often been left to care for people who have been failed by social services and health systems”.
