Minister for Justice Helen McEntee has been informed that Irish jails are operating beyond capacity, posing safety risks amid unprecedented increases in prisoner population. Reports indicate that the prison system lacks adequate space for sudden influxes of inmates, especially in light of recent public disorder incidents. Concerns over staff conduct and operational strain have led to proposals for enhanced supervision and drug testing. To mitigate overcrowding, plans for expanding prison capacities are underway, including significant budget allocations for the coming years.