A new report shows the number of prisoners in Ireland is on the rise.
Over one in every seven prisoners are in jail for sex offences.
Separate figures show 15 per cent of those in custody are foreign nationals.
Figures from the Irish Prison Service show there were 3,067 people serving sentences in jail at the end of last month.
466, or 15 per cent, were behind bars for sex offences.
Former governor of Portlaoise and Mountjoy Prisons, John Lonergan, says this figure has increased dramatically over the past 20 or 30 years.
One in seven people in prison in Ireland are foreign nationals.
A new report by the Irish Penal Reform Trust and Maynooth University highlights the problems this group faces in prisons, which include communication and isolation.
The report calls on the Irish Prison Service to take further steps to eliminate discrimination in jails.
It comes amid news that the Irish Prison Service is to become a stand-alone State agency under new plans from the Justice Minister.
Helen McEntee will address the Prison Officers Association of the reforms at its annual conference in Sligo today.
The move will see the prison separated from the Department of Justice with legislation to be drafted as quickly as possible.
The stand-alone Prison Service will have a statutory duty to reduce the rate of re-offending as part of a plan to build stronger and safer communities.
Midlands Hospital Experiencing High Admission Numbers
Founding President Of TUS To Step Down Next Year
Westmeath Father Loses Job After Using HSE Funds For Home Upgrades
Higher Education Minister Visits Offaly
Midlands Woman Pays Tribute To Sister After Manslaughter Sentence
FTD Brothers Continue 32 County Marathon Challenge Through The Midlands
Fresh Restoration Works Begin At Westmeath Castle
Nearly 1,000 Homes And Businesses Hit Affected By Power Outage In Midlands Town
TUI Says State Should Pay For School Devices
Musicians Gather In Offaly Celebrating Fr Liam Lawtons Music
Minister For Health Wants Closer Working Relationship For Midlands Hospitals
US-Iran Peace Deal Nears As Talks Continue
Westmeath Activist Calls Out Government After Being Detained By Israel
Laois TD Voices Concern Over Appeal For Proposed Windfarm
HSE Still Formally Settling Offaly Hospice Dispute
Weeklong Heatwave Hits Midlands
Uisce Eireann Agree To Examine Pipeline Solution For Westmeath Town
Offaly's Comhaltas President Meets King Charles In Belfast
Laois TD Demands Deer Be Tested For TB
Health Minister Opens Newly Extended ED Department In Laois