The Irish prison population has increased by more than 2,000 in the last four years. This is not the first time the prison population has surged. In January 2022, the prison population, at 85 per cent capacity, was comfortably beneath both thresholds. Studies show a high level of victim satisfaction with restorative justice and a positive impact on recidivism. Second, the use of short prison sentences must be curtailed.

Source: The Irish Times January 19, 2026 16:40 UTC