Prison Recidivism 2008 cohort

The CSO today released Prison Recidivism 2008 cohort statistics. The report is a detailed study of recidivism (re-offending) among offenders released from the custody of the Irish Prison Service in 2008. The statistics were produced using a combination of Irish Prison Service and Garda Síochána administrative record.

Some of the key points highlighted in the report were as follows:

• In 2008, just over 50% re-offended within a three-year period of their release date compared with just over 55% in 2007.
• Recidivism was higher for males (51.5%) than females (46.2%).
• Recidivism rates decreased with age, from 56.8% of offenders less than 21 years to 23.1% of offenders aged 61 years and over.

The CSO wishes to thank all the departments, agencies and individuals who have helped in the process of developing these statistics, in particular the management of the Irish Prison Service.

To view and download the release, visit the CSO website at: Prison Recidivism 2008 cohort (PDF 129KB)

For further information, contact:

Tim Linehan 021 453 5264 or

Tricia Brew 021 453 5490

Fax 021 453 5555

e-mail: crime@cso.ie

Central Statistics Office                                                        17 December 2013

– ENDS –