Prison system 'failing young adults'

Ireland's prison system is failing too many young adults, according to a report published by the Irish Penal Reform Trust today.

Eighteen- to 24-year-olds made up about a quarter of those committed to the country's jails in each of the past two years.

The Trust is calling on the Government to draw up a specific strategy to deal with young adults, warning the current set-up is making them more likely to re-offend.

There are 14 institutions in the Irish prison system.

Key facts and figures relating to Ireland's prison population