Midlands 103

Search

Listen Live

On Air Now

10:00pm - Midnight

Twilight Time

Sam Smith

Stay With Me

Irish Prison System Isn't Working - Aontú

Thursday, 7 December 2023 17:40

By Kamron Clarke @kamron_clarke

New figures show nearly seven in ten prisoners currently in custody had previously been committed to an institution.

The Irish Prison system isn't working, according to Aontú.

Figures released to the party show there are 60 more prisoners in custody than there are beds available at institutions around the country.

Its Leader, and Meath West TD Peadar Toibín, says "until we provide supports to citizens with addiction to drugs and citizens with poor mental health services we are just going to keep filling our prisons."

He also says there needs to be "wrap around counselling supports, addiction treatment, rehabilitation plans and also properly funded chaplaincy services."

The Party is also calling for the introduction of more prison beds.

The figures show of the 4,581 prisoners in custody, 3,197 had been previously been committed to an institution.

That equates to just under seven in ten prisoners.

Deputy Toibín says "It is clear our prison system is not working and is literally recycling hundreds of people through the prison system again and again."

More from Midlands News

IDA Improve Number Of Investments In 2025

Investments are up 38% from last year.
Housing Commencements Rise In Midlands

Westmeath has seen the biggest surge compared to this time last year.
Portiuncula Maternity Alliance Push HSE For Set Timeline On Reinstating Services

A new survey shows 84% of women reported a good or very good maternity experience at Portiuncula.
Emergency Services Attending Scene Of Westmeath Crash

The incident took place in Ballymore this afternoon.
Taoiseach Under Pressure As Fianna Fáil Discontent Grows

Questions remain over when the Taoiseach knew of Mr Gavin’s unpaid tenant issue.
Thousands Of Farmers Descend On Brussels To Oppose Mercosur Trade Deal

The IFA President is one those taking part.
Calls Made For Greater Police Presence In Offaly Town

Councillor Noel Cribbin feels it could make a real difference to Edenderry.
Quarter Of Residents In Laois IPAS Centre Granted Permission To Stay In Ireland

The inspection took place at Didean Portlaoise in September.
Man Arrested After Attack On Offaly Garda Station

The incident took place around 8am this morning.
Gardaí Investigating Criminal Damage At Midlands Pharmacy

The incident took place in the early hours of this morning.
Midlands County Hosts Water Safety Awards Ceremony

Stephen O’Toole, Chairperson of Laois Water Safety, said he was proud of the success of the recent water safety classes
Surge In Respiratory Illness Cases Forces Visiting Restrictions For Midlands Hospital

Visits to Brosna Ward are allowed only for compassionate or critical cases.
Midlands MEP Warns Of EU Meat Price Collapse Ahead Of Mercosur Protest

Protests are taking place in Brussels today.
Offaly TDs Raise Community Policing Concerns Following Arson Attack

Tadhg Farrell and Mary Holt lost their lives during a house fire in Edenderry.
Fianna Fáil Warns Ireland Must Stay Competitive Amid Minimum Wage Increase

The minimum wage will rise to €14.15.
Uisce Eireann Confirms Completion Of Offaly Works

The replacement of old water pipes in Lusmagh began in October.
Man Hospitalised With Serious Injuries Following Offaly Crash

It happened in Killaderry yesterday afternoon.
Biodiversity Children's Book Launches In Midlands

The Three Billy Goats Gruff of Carlow' is a project by the local authority in Carlow.
Over €3.8m In IT And Minor Works Grants Going To Midlands Schools

Standardised payments are also being brought in for the grants.
Midlands Property Prices Continuing To Rise

CSO figures show national prices are up 7.3% in the year to September.

Download Our App

Never miss a moment from Midlands 103