15% of convicts free on short release

THE overcrowding crisis in Irish prisons means more than 730 prisoners — 15% of the prison population — are out on temporary release on a daily basis.

The number of prisoners on short-term release in 2010 rose by 200 compared to 2009.

Thousands of crimes are committed by people on temporary release, early release or bail every year. These range from assaults and drugs offences to murder and rape.