News & Press ReleasesNews & Press Releases
Inspector of Prisons calls for new courts system 1st September 2010
The Inspector of Prisons has called for a new courts system which would address the causes of criminality rather than criminalise offenders, reports Cormac O'Keeffe in the 'Irish Examiner'. Read more
White Paper on Crime: Criminal Sanctions 1st September 2010
The Dept of Justice and Law Reform has published the overview of responses received to the second consultation of the White Paper on Crime: Criminal Sanctions. Read more
RTÉ Marian Finucane: Prisons in Ireland 28th August 2010
An in-depth discussion on imprisonment in Ireland, including its effectiveness (or not) as punishment, issues surrounding the availability of rehabilitation services (and information about services), drugs in prison and drug treatment in prison, and more. Read more
Irish Human Rights Commission Annual Report 2009 24th August 2010
The Irish Human Rights Commission (IHRC) today launched their annual report. IPRT welcomed the calls from the Dr Maurice Manning, president of the IHRC, for the Government to commit to improving the situation in Irish Prisons. Read more
New drugs measures in Mountjoy Prison 23rd August 2010
New governor of Mountjoy Prison, Ned Whelan, talks about the zero drugs policy at Mountjoy Prison, and the range of measures which have been brought in to enforce it. IPRT welcomes the commitment to drug-free landings and improved sanitary conditions, but remains sceptical about Thornton Hall. Read more
Management of sex offenders 21st August 2010
Following the media furore surrounding the scheduled release of a sex offender from prison, journalists turn their attention the treatment of sex offenders in prison, and the management of the offenders on release. Read more
Now recruiting: IPRT Research and Policy Officer 19th August 2010
The Irish Penal Reform Trust is now recruiting for the post of Research and Policy Officer. The successful candidate will be responsible for developing the policy base for IPRT’s campaigning work, including carrying out research and engaging with key stakeholders in the Irish penal system. Read more
Prisons crisis is now completely out of control 6th August 2010
IPRT reacts to the publication of the Irish Prison Service Annual Report 2009. Read more
Vision not firefighting needed to tackle dysfunctional prison system 27th July 2010
The Irish Penal Reform Trust, Ireland’s leading penal reform campaign group, has today expressed reservations at the announcement by Minister Ahern that Thornton Hall is to go ahead on a phased basis. Read more
Irish Independent: Prison in crisis as number of inmates rises 14% 26th July 2010
In today's Irish Independent, Tom Brady talks about the prison accommodation crisis confronting the government as unpublished figures reveal an increase of almost 14% in the number of people sent to jail in the past year. Read more