IPRT in the News
As part of the Irish Penal Reform Trust (IPRT) Strategic Plan 2023-2026, one of our main goals is to campaign for a progressive criminal justice system that upholds human rights. Engagement with the media plays a large part in that as we discuss our evidence-based research, advocate for people in prison, and work to change attitudes and challenge misconceptions about people in the criminal justice system.
Below you will see a list of most of IPRT's media features including recordings of radio discussions, links to TV appearances, and access to written articles and opinion pieces. You can also listen back to long-form recorded discussions with podcast hosts on our Podcast webpage.
Government Action Urged On Prison Conditions - Midlands 103 FM
19th January 2026
IPRT’s Legal and Public Affairs Manager, Niamh McCormack,speaking on the publication of prison inspection reports, highlighting poor prison conditions, ongoing overcrowding, and the urgent need to reduce reliance on remand detention.
News at One coverage of Prison inspection reports - RTE Radio One
16th January 2026
IPRT’s Legal and Public Affairs Manager, Niamh McCormack, spoke on News at One as part of a discussion on the prison inspection reports published the previous day.
Cork Prison is the second most overcrowded prison in Ireland - Red FM
16th January 2026
IPRT’s Legal and Public Affairs Manager, Niamh McCormack, spoke to Red FM highlighting issues that the inspection report drew attention to in the context of overcrowding crisis and Cork prison. Her...
Prisoner numbers on course to reach 'unimaginable' level - The Irish Examiner
6th January 2026
This article highlights a deepening overcrowding crisis in Irish prisons, with numbers approaching 6,000—well above official capacity. It quotes the Irish Penal Reform Trust warning that the Irish Prison Service is “fighting a losing battle” and that the system is “at breaking point”, while calling for a cross-government response and greater investment in community-based alternatives to custody.
Electronic tags for released prisoners to be trialled - Live 95 (Limerick)
6th January 2026
Saoirse Brady joined Joe Nash on Live95’s Limerick Today to discuss the trialling of electronic tagging and IPRT’s concerns about the monitoring of people who have been convicted of a crime or who are awaiting trial.
Number of non-nationals in Irish jails has more than doubled in past five years - Irish Mail on Sunday
4th January 2026
In the Irish Mail on Sunday, IPRT Executive Director Saoirse Brady challenged political narratives linking migration to prison overcrowding, warning against the “othering” of immigrants and stating that deportation would not solve capacity pressures. She criticised efforts to undermine the European Convention on Human Rights, highlighted evidence of racial and ethnic disparities in sentencing, and reiterated IPRT’s call for human-rights-led penal reform and better data rather than punitive migration measures.
No electronic tagging of prisoners yet despite 2007 law paving the way - Irish Independent
26th December 2025
In its coverage of the continued delay in introducing electronic tagging, despite a 2007 law paving the way, the Irish Independent (26/12/26) highlighted the strain on Ireland’s prison system. IPRT Executive Director Saoirse Brady described the system as “overwhelmed, overstretched and inhumane,” pointing to overcrowding with inmates sleeping on mattresses on cell floors. She emphasised that imprisonment should be a last resort, with greater use of community-based sanctions for less serious offences.
Privatising prison tagging - Interview with Saoirse Brady on RTÉ's Drivetime
22nd December 2025
Saoirse Brady, IPRT’s Executive Director, was interviewed on RTÉ’s Drivetime programme to discuss reports that electronic monitoring of prisoners is to be overseen by a private company. She outlined IPRT’s concerns that electronic tagging can widen the criminal justice net, extending its use to people who might not otherwise be remanded in custody.
Urgent calls to address major overcrowding in Limerick Prison - Limerick Post
20th December 2025
Following a visit by members of the Oireachtas Justice Committee to Limerick Prison, the Minister for Justice is urged to address the overcrowding crisis there. IPRT is among organisations cited as having raised concerns about the issue previously.
No beds for over 100 people in Cork Prison - The Echo
18th December 2025
This article focuses on overcrowding in Cork Prison, which is currently operating at 134% capacity, with over 100 people without beds. Cork Prison has experienced persistent overcrowding for many years.
