It's hoped that more can be done to tackle overcrowding in Irish prisons.
Figures published Figures by the Irish Prison Service Annual Report for 2023 reveal the number of committals to prison increased by 12.7 per cent compared to 2022.
The service says the increase, coupled with a growing number of prisoners serving longer sentences, continues to place pressure on the prison system.
Concerns have previously been expressed that the levels of overcrowding could lead to a violent outbursts and other unsavoury incidents.
Deputy General Secretary of the Irish Prison Officer's Association, and Dromahair native, Gabriel Keaveny says action must be taken.