In this episode, Niall is asking: Do prisoners deserve better living conditions? Live on The Niall Boylan Podcast, we take a hard look at the state of Irish prisons in 2025. The latest figures from February show that the prison population has reached a record high of 5,181 inmates—with 346 prisoners sleeping on mattresses on cell floors due to overcrowding. It’s sparked outrage in some quarters, and indifference in others. But should we care?

Some callers think just because someone has committed a crime doesn’t mean they should be treated like animals. They argue that Ireland is supposed to be a modern and civilized society, and basic decency—even behind bars—should be a given. They say that harsh conditions do nothing for rehabilitation, and that how we treat our prisoners reflects who we are as a nation.

While other callers feel no sympathy at all. For them, prison isn’t supposed to be comfortable. If someone doesn’t want to sleep on a mattress, they shouldn’t break the law. With homelessness and housing crises impacting law-abiding citizens, they argue it’s wrong to focus on improving jail conditions. Some even say the tough conditions might act as a deterrent.

Niall closes the show by reflecting on how divided opinions were—between compassion and punishment. He questions what kind of justice system Ireland really wants: one that rehabilitates or simply punishes. As always, he leaves listeners with plenty to think about.