Number of prison inmates up 11% last year

The number of inmates in Irish prisons increased by 11% last year, according to the latest annual report from the Inspector of Prisons.

The report says the number of people jailed for 10 years or more increased by 38% in 2008.

The number of people jailed for non-payment of a court-ordered fine soared by 88%, while prison sentences for road traffic offences increased by 44%.

The average cost of detaining an inmate increased by more than 8.5% to €92,000 annually.