The IPRT is welcoming some proposals but say they're strongly against the construction of a super prison.
The Irish Penal Reform Trust believes the new government is sending out mixed signals about its approach to justice.
A draft agreement between Fianna Fail, Fine Gael, and TDs in the Regional Independents group sees confirmation of community sanctions as an alternative to imprisonment where possible.
The IPRT believes this will help reduce the "huge number" of people going to prison for short periods of time.
As of Friday, Midlands Prison is operating at 110% of its capacity, and Portlaoise Prison is at 104%.
The same group however, says they're "deeply disappointed" to see the same programme for government confirming plans to proceed with the construction of a 1,500 space super-prison at Thornton Hall in Dublin.
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