10th April 2019
The Board of IPRT today (10.04.2019) welcomes the appointment of Fíona Ní Chinnéide as the new Executive Director of IPRT. The appointment follows an external recruitment process led by the Board of Directors.
Speaking on behalf of the Board, IPRT Chairperson Dr Seamus Taylor said:
“Fíona is one of Ireland’s leading penal reform advocates and a respected figure in the civil society sector with experience in Ireland and internationally. She is a passionate champion for social justice, penal moderation and human rights in our prisons.
As Deputy Director and the guiding hand behind IPRT’s strategic campaigns and communications for more than a decade, Fíona has worked steadily and with determination to inform public debate on the nature and purpose of our penal system.
Fíona’s appointment opens a new chapter in IPRT’s history. The Board of Directors are confident that Fíona’s appointment is an opportunity to expand IPRT’s impact and ensure our continued vitality and resilience. We are looking forward to working with her and the team to implement a new vision for our penal system.”
Fíona succeeds Deirdre Malone, who made an immense contribution to IPRT over her five years in post. Deirdre has since taken up a new role in PILA (Public Interest Law Alliance, a project of FLAC), where the staff and Board of IPRT wish her every success.
Speaking on her appointment as Executive Director, Ms Ní Chinnéide said:
“It is a huge honour to be chosen to lead IPRT, particularly as we approach our 25th anniversary later this year. My predecessors have built a dynamic organisation with a distinct and essential purpose, guided by our belief that a just and humane penal system will help create fairer and safer communities.
I am also mindful, having been part of IPRT since 2009, of the road ahead. I am looking forward to building on IPRT’s track record of achieving real reform, working with my skilled and determined colleagues and the support of our expert Board.”
Fíona formally assumed the post on Monday 8th April 2019.
For enquiries, contact IPRT on 01 8741400
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NOTES
Irish Penal Reform Trust (IPRT)
Established in 1994, the Irish Penal Reform Trust (IPRT) is Ireland's leading non-governmental organisation campaigning for rights in the penal system and the progressive reform of Irish penal policy. Its vision is one of respect for rights in the penal system, with prison as a last resort. IPRT is committed to respecting the rights of everyone in the penal system and to reducing imprisonment. It is working towards progressive reform of the penal system based on evidence-led policies and on a commitment to combating social injustice.
IPRT publishes a wide range of policy positions and research documents; it campaigns vigorously across a wide range of penal policy issues; and has established itself as the leading independent voice in public debate on the Irish penal system.
Fíona Ní Chinnéide
For more on Fíona’s background, see http://www.iprt.ie/contents/1164
Respect for rights in the penal system with prison as a last resort.