2,954 people were jailed in the first six months of 2021.
29 per cent fewer people have been sent to prison this year than during the same period in 2019.
The Irish Prison Service says 2,954 people were jailed in the first six months of 2021.
That's down slightly on last year, and over 1,200 fewer than the same period in 2019.
John Lonergan is a former governor of Portlaoise and Mountjoy Prisons - he says the drop is down to the Covid pandemic.
Mr. Lonergan says Ireland sends a relatively low number of people to jail:
Status Yellow Fog Warning Issued For Leinster, Munster And Galway
Call For More Public Toilets Across The Midlands And Beyond
Nearly 600 Patients Waiting For Hospital Beds Across Ireland
Gardaí Appeal For Witnesses Following Midlands Shooting Incident
More Action Needed To Tackle Adult Abuse Says Safeguarding Ireland
Athlone Drag Queen Brings Glamour To The Midlands
BnM Lodges Windfarm Plans On Offaly Border
Carlow GAA Expresses Its Sympathies To Family After Work Related Inicident