Nearly 140 prisoners given Christmas release from overcrowded jails Laois and elsewhere

There may be a little less pressure on prison officers in Laois managing two bulging jails in Poartlaoise with confirmation from the Irish Prison Service (IPS) of its 2024 temporary release programme for Christmas.

The IPS said on December 19 that total of 138 prisoners will be granted varying periods of temporary release this Christmas under the Criminal Justice Act 1960.

The number, which is almost the same as 2023, may relieve jails in Laois and Ireland which are bulging with prisoners a fact highlighted by the IPS in its recent annual report.

IPS data shows that Portlaoise Prison had 240 inmates on the day before the temporary release announcement. The daily prisoner population figures show that's 5% above its 229 prison capacity. 

Overcrowding is worse next door in the medium-security but much bigger Midlands Prison. There were 983 prisoners serving time in the jail on December 18 which is 12% above its capacity for 875 prisoners. 

The worsening situation faced by staff responsible for running the jails is revealed in IPS data for December 2023. Both jails were overcrowded but not by as much as in 2024.

There were  5,052 people locked up in Irish jails on December 18 which is 12% above the 4,534 bed capacity in prisons.

In relation to the prisoners being released this Christmas, the IPS said the following. MORE BELOW PICTURE.

PICTURED: Portlaoise Prison.

"Many of the prisoners being released are nearing the end of their sentences and the overriding concern when considering the applications is the safety of the public. In addition to compassionate and humane considerations, other criteria taken into account include the nature and gravity of the offence, length of sentence served to date, prior record on temporary release, behaviour while in custody and previous criminal history.

"The periods of release vary from a few hours up to 7 nights. All releases are subject to stringent conditions and any offender who breaks these conditions may be arrested and returned immediately to prison by the Gardaí.

"The sensitivities of victims are an issue that has also been taken into account. Additional specific conditions will also apply in relation to victim cases. 

"Furthermore all registered victims with the Irish Prison Service Victim Liaison Service will be informed in the cases where prisoners are receiving Christmas Temporary Release.

The numbers released on Christmas TR for the previous five years is outlined below:

• 2019 - 113
• 2020* - 37
• 2021* - 70
• 2022 - 129
• 2023 - 139
• 2024 - 138

*Numbers affected by Covid-related conditions

Many of the prisoners being released are nearing the end of their sentences and the overriding concern when considering the applications is the safety of the public. In addition to compassionate and humane considerations, other criteria taken into account include the nature and gravity of the offence, length of sentence served to date, prior record on temporary release, behaviour while in custody and previous criminal history.

The periods of release vary from a few hours up to 7 nights. All releases are subject to stringent conditions and any offender who breaks these conditions may be arrested and returned immediately to prison by the Gardaí.

The sensitivities of victims are an issue that has also been taken into account. Additional specific conditions will also apply in relation to victim cases. 

Furthermore all registered victims with the Irish Prison Service Victim Liaison Service will be informed in the cases where prisoners are receiving Christmas Temporary Release.