Penal reformers concerned at rise in female prisoners

Penal reformers have expressed concern at the increase in female prisoners and the persistent use of prison for fine defaulters.

The Irish Penal Reform Trust said overcrowding remained a “chronic problem” and called for reforms to sentencing, diversion schemes, and early release programmes.

Justice Minister Alan Shatter said the increasing number of prisoners being committed to custody was the “greatest challenge” facing the system. He said a combination of new prison spaces in the Midlands, Cork, and Limerick prisons as well as the provision of greater options, including community service, to judges would help address the problem.