A new report into the Midlands Prison has expressed concern at the high numbers of prison staff off on sick leave at any given time.
The Prisons Inspector, Mr Justice Dermot Kinlen, found that an average of 20 staff of a total workforce of 396 were off every day, including six who were on extended sick leave of over six months.
A further 68 people had requested a transfer from the Co Laois prison, which opened in November 2000 and houses almost 440 prisoners.
There are also 12 posts at the prison that have yet to be filled.
The report found that due to ongoing staff shortages, the prison governor has exceeded his overtime allocation by 2,700 hours and a number of services, including the censors office, had to be cut.
Although the inspector described the modern prison as very impressive, he highlighted a number of areas which needed attention, including staff training provision. His report said the lack of training in evacuation and fire drill procedures was particularly alarming.
Mr Justice Kinlen said the prison had only recently filled all of its probation staff posts, and the four officers had complained it was physically impossible to cope with the prison population of almost 440 inmates.
The report recommended a sex offenders programme be introduced into the prison and be led by the psychology staff, with input from the probation and welfare officers.
Mr Justice Kinlen said he was concerned that 225 prisoners - more than 50% of the population - were on disciplinary reports for misconduct such as smuggling drugs and assaults, and he raised questions over the severity of the punishment.
He said there were very good working and education facilities, with 28 full-time and 14 part-time teachers, an excellent library, and activities in gardening, carpentry, metalwork, a craft shop and computer workshop available.
But he said a situation in which a quarter of the prisoners were not employed or in education was not good, and urged that they be fully engaged as soon as possible.
Following his inspection in June and July of last year, he questioned why a purpose-built bakery on the site had never been put into use. And he also recommended a large room which could double as a theatre and a chapel should be provided.