Foreign Prisoner Count in Ireland Increases by 222 in 19 Months

The number of foreign inmates in Irish prisons has surged by 222 over a span of less than two years. From January 2024 to the end of August 2024, the count of non-Irish prisoners rose from 760 to 982, now constituting nearly 18% of the total prison population. This data, released by the Irish Prison Service, highlights a significant demographic shift within the country’s correctional facilities.

As of August 2024, there were 939 non-Irish men and 43 women incarcerated. Among these individuals are notable cases such as Josef Puska, convicted of murdering Ashling Murphy, and eight drug traffickers involved in the €160 million drug shipment confiscated from the MV Matthews off the Irish coast in September 2023.

Demographics of Foreign Inmates

The largest group of foreign inmates consists of citizens from EU countries, totaling 460 individuals. Other nationalities include 147 from Africa, 129 from the UK, 95 from Asia, and 61 from South America, primarily Brazil. Additionally, there are 13 inmates from North America, 14 from the Middle East, and 55 from non-EU European nations, such as Georgia and Albania.

The overall number of prisoners in Ireland has also seen a notable increase, rising from 4,717 in January 2024 to more than 5,500 today. An official from the Irish Prison Service remarked, “The number jailed has increased and is to be expected with a growing population of over five and a half million. It does seem there has been a big increase in foreign offenders.”

Despite this rise, the official emphasized that the increase in foreign prisoners represents only about one percent of the overall prison population growth over the past two years. The majority of serious crimes committed in Ireland, including murder and rape, are perpetrated by Irish citizens, dispelling myths about foreign offenders being the primary contributors to crime rates.

Crime Trends in Ireland

The source further pointed out that Ireland remains one of the safest countries globally. “In the bigger scheme of things, the vast majority of serious crimes being carried out in Ireland are committed by Irish citizens. It is a lie to say otherwise, and these figures prove it,” the official stated. They also highlighted domestic violence as a significant concern, with many victims, especially women, losing their lives to individuals they know.

As the Irish prison system adapts to these changing demographics, ongoing discussions about crime and safety remain crucial. With an increasing population and a diverse prison demographic, the challenges and narratives surrounding crime in Ireland continue to evolve.