If we want to stop crime, we have to talk to those committing it

'What We’re Made Of', a new book written by men in Mountjoy Prison, a section of society that gets little support — and less empathy — it challenges, inspires and chips away at the kind of prejudice they face

Thousands of books — and myriad articles — have been written about men in prison, but so very few are written by the men themselves. That is why 'What We’re Made Of', a new book written by men in Mountjoy Prison, should make us sit up and take notice. Picture: Moya Nolan

The latest figures on severe overcrowding in Irish prisons have prompted renewed calls for creative thinking, but here’s an idea that rarely gets traction: we need to include prisoners in the discussion. How can we tackle crime if we don’t listen to the people who commit it?

Thousands of books — and myriad articles — have been written about men in prison, but so very few are written by the men themselves. That is why What We’re Made Of, a new book written by men in Mountjoy Prison, should make us sit up and take notice.