The Irish Prison Service spent over €14.5 million feeding inmates in 2024 — nearly double the 2014 figure. With a 26% jump in the prison population and rising food costs, the IPS says it’s working to balance quality meals with value. Daily desserts, vegetarian options, and customised diets are now standard, pointing to a broader shift in how institutions meet welfare expectations amid operational pressure.

Read the full article for a breakdown of the costs and what’s driving them.