Almost 80pc of re-offences occurred within a year of the prisoner being released.

Almost half of prisoners re-offend within three years of being released from prison, according to figures from the Central Statistics Office.

Almost 80pc of re-offences occurred within a year of the prisoner being released.

In 2009, some 7,507 prisoners were released from the custody of the Irish Prison Service. Of these, 3,563 (47.5pc) re-offended within a three-year period, according to the CSO.

The relapses were higher among men than women, and among younger age groups.

The total figure for recidivism (a relapse into crime) fell from 51.5pc in 2008.

Recidivism rates differed by initial imprisonment offence.

The lowest rates were recorded for sexual Offences (21.1pc), and Fraud, Deception and Related Offences (27.2%).

The highest rates were recorded for Offences against Government, Justice Procedures and Organisation of Crime (60.6pc) and Public Order and other Social Code Offences (60.5pc).

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