In Irish jails the ratio of staff levels to prisoners is nearly 1:1 and the average cost of maintaining each prisoner is £123 per day, making the Irish prison system one of the least cost-effective in the world.
So, what are the alternatives? For minor offences, which comprise the vast majority of court appearances, the option of a formal system of verbal and written cautions should come on stream shortly with the computerisation of Garda records.

The Fines on the Spot system could also be upgraded to add financial penalties for late payment of fines. A fixed penalty system, as is operated in some other European states, should streamline the work of the Gardai for minor offences.

For indictable offences, community service may be preferable to prison sentences. At present anyone with a prison record can virtually write-off any chance of future employment, rendering them permanently dependent on state finances. However, with the option of community work, reformed prisoners can usually get a job reference as a result of their "punishment," which makes the prospects of future reintegration much greater. And, by contrast, community service will not cost the state £123 per day!