IPRT in the NewsIPRT in the News
Ireland AM discusses reducing the prison populations with Liam Herrick and John O'Keefe 8th February 2012
This week, Ireland AM featured a discussion on the need to reduce the prisoner population of Ireland over time. There are currently over 4,500 people incarcerated in Ireland, at a cost of about €77,000 per prisoner per year. Read more
Irish Examiner: 'Children’s groups critical of Government failings' 23rd January 2012
Caroline O'Doherty reports that government failures to protect children’s health, welfare and rights are still rife according to the Children's Rights Alliance Report Card 2012. Read more
Irish Times letters: 'Wanted - Emergency Budget' 20th January 2012
"We need a Plan B. We urge the Government to adopt emergency policy measures that can create jobs, generate sustainable growth, raise incomes and reduce poverty. This is the only sustainable route to economic recovery and fiscal stability." Read more
The Irish Times: Call for overhaul of drugs sentencing 20th January 2012
Stephen Carroll and Carol Coulter report on IPRT's response to the Law Reform Commissions Consultation paper on mandatory sentencing for drug offences. Read more
Limerick prison dirty and unhygienic according to report 18th January 2012
A report published by the Inspector of Prisons has highlighted the inadequate conditions in Limerick prison and the need for change. Read more
RTÉ 'This Week': Imprisonment of boys in St. Patrick's Institution 15th January 2012 
"Nobody deserves St Patrick's as it's currently configured" - RTÉ's 'This Week' focuses on the ongoing imprisonment of boys in St Patrick's Institution. Read more
The Irish Times: 'Adult prison facility used for minors 262 times' 7th January 2012
There were 262 committals of 16 and 17-year old boys to St Patrick's Institution in 2011, according to an article in 'The Irish Times'. This represents an increase of 19% on 2010. Read more
RTÉ 'Morning Ireland': Calls for investigation following prison death 23rd December 2011
IPRT's Liam Herrick spoke to Morning Ireland's Cathal MacCoille about the need for accountabilty and independent oversight of investigations into deaths in prison. Read more
The Irish Times: 'Ombudsman needed to examine prison deaths, says trust' 22nd December 2011
Crime Correspondent Cormac O'Keeffe reports that the death of a prisoner on suicide watch at Cloverhill Prison underlines the need for a prisons ombudsman, according to the Irish Penal Reform Trust. Read more
Irish Examiner: 'Almost 7,000 people jailed for failing to pay fines' 20th December 2011
Cormac O'Keeffe reports that just under 7,000 people have been imprisoned for failing to pay fines up to the end of November 2011, an increase on the same period in 2010. Read more