The number of prisoners on temporary release has almost doubled, close to 600, since the coronavirus crisis began. The facility’s F Unit, which has spaces for 20 prisoners, was unoccupied at the start of the coronavirus, also known as Covid-19, outbreak. At the beginning of March, before any prisoners were released due to coronavirus precautions, there were 305 prisoners on temporary release, which is normally granted as a means of reintegrating prisoners back into society. However, in recent years that trend has been reversed, which has put pressure on all aspects of the prison service. “Retirees who express their interest will be contacted if their skill set, availability and geographic preference match with the emerging needs of the prison service,” an Irish Prison Service spokesman said in reply to queries.

Source: The Irish Times March 31, 2020 13:26 UTC