The drug is used to treat heroin addiction
Over half of female prisoners are on methadone, which is normally used to treat an addiction to heroin.
According to freedom of information figures, that compares to around one in eight male inmates.
At the end of last year, there were just over 4,200 inmates in prisons throughout the country.
Some 626 were on a methadone treatment programme.
The drug can help you reduce your cravings if you are addicted to heroin but a disproportionate number of female inmates were on methadone.
There were 104 on the drug - out of 189 female prisoners in jail at the time.
83 of the 145 women in the Dochas prison in Dublin at the end of last year were on methadone - and 21 of the 44 in Limerick women's jail.
Former governor of Mountjoy Prison, John Lonergan, is not surprised:
BREAKING: Social Democrats Cllr Pat Balfe Announces Resignation From Social Democrats Party
Liam And Lily Were The Most Popular Baby Names In Kildare Last Year
Reminder To Landowners: Hedge-Cutting Season Is Ending This Weekend
Man Charged With The Murder Of English Tourist Following Temple Bar Incident Last Year
Two Health Insurance Companies To Increase Their Prices From April, With Families Facing A Likely €180-€330 Increase
Nearly 320,000 People Behind On Electricity Bills In 2025
Kildare Ministers Martin Heydon And James Lawless Declare Rental Income In 2025
IFA Plan Large Protest This Saturday In Newbridge
