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The number of inmates at Mountjoy prison has exceeded bed capacity by up to 107 prisoners, a report published today by the Inspector of Prisons on Mountjoy said.

In his report from August 2009, Judge Michael Reilly noted Mountjoy was an old building and the intention was to replace it with a prison at Thornton Hall. However, he said, despite the efforts of management and staff the prison "cannot, at present, provide safe and secure custody for its prisoners".