The Irish Examiner said the report, which was obtained by the newspaper through a Freedom of Information request, was scathing of the conditions in the women’s prison after changes were made last year.

The report revealed that there were between 130 and 150 inmates regularly being detained in a facility designed for 105, and this was leading to up to five inmates sharing a small cell.

It also showed that there were complaints about verbal abuse, xenophobia, and threatening language and behaviour.

Furthermore, it highlighted issues around visitation, adequate clothing for inmates, staff shortages, and the amount of time that inmates are confined to their overcrowded rooms.

The report stated: “The women are here as punishment; they are not here to be punished, and it is crucial that this awareness be at the forefront of our work, lest we leave prisoners further traumatised than when they arrived.”