More than 1,000 inmates on bunks or mattresses in overcrowded prison cells

A report on one Irish prison stated that 'violence was the inevitable result' of overcrowded cells with inmates subject to degrading conditions including unscreened toilets. Picture: Dan Linehan

More than 1,000 prisoners are being crammed into cells on bunk beds or mattresses on the floor and many are forced to use toilets in front of each other.

The overcrowding has led to heightened tensions and disputes among prisoners which is endangering staff.