File photo Source: Shutterstock/Stephen Chung

45% OF IRISH prisoners released from incarceration in 2010 reoffended within three years, new statistics show.

Meanwhile, 38% of offenders referred to Ireland’s probation service similarly reoffended within three years.

The figures are contained in new releases from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) detailing recidivism in the 2010 cohorts of the Irish Prison and Probation services.

Instances of reoffending of prisoners released in 2010 Source: CSO

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The data examines reoffending behaviour of adult and young offenders who were given probation or community services in 2010, or released from prison in that year.

Higher rates of recidivism are seen in both male offenders and younger offenders.

The 45% rate of reoffending seen for former prisoners within three years is in fact a decrease of 2.4% on the previous year. The figure of 38% (1,446) probation offences was largely in line with the previous year’s statistics (2009).

Prison recidivism rate by gender Source: CSO

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Most repeat offences seen committed by former prisoners subscribe to public order offences (34.2%) and theft (17.9%).

Of the 4,208 prisoners found to have reoffended, 61% of those offences took place within the first six months following official release.

94.2% of offenders aged under 21 had done so within one year of release.

You can see the official CSO releases here and here.