There's been a big delay in the courts system because of the virus.
The number of people sent to prison has decreased by over a third during the pandemic.
Just over 1,900 people were jailed in the first four months of this year - compared to over 2,900 in the same period in 2019.
There was a big drop in court activity during the pandemic, with many cases delayed.
Former Portlaoise and Mountjoy Prison governor, John Lonergan, says it's vital justice is done quickly.