News & Press ReleasesNews & Press Releases
50% increase in prisoners sitting Leaving Cert exams 9th June 2010
117 prisoners are sitting Leaving Cert exams, and 161 are taking Junior Certificate subjects in the exams which start today. Given the chronic conditions that many of our prisoners live in, this is truly an achievement... Read more
RTÉ Primetime interviews recently retired Governor of Mountjoy 9th June 2010
In an interview featured on RTÉ's Primetime, John Lonergan reflects on his 42 years with the Irish Prison Service, outlining his opposition to Thornton Hall, among other critical issues. Read more
Fines Bill said to cut prison numbers 31st May 2010
Almost 5,000 people were sent to jail last year for failing to pay a fine; the Fines Bill 2009 was signed into law by the President on 2nd June 2010. Read more
IPRT Report details Practical Steps to address ‘Revolving Door’ 25th May 2010
The latest report from the Irish Penal Reform Trust, '“It’s like stepping on a landmine…” - Reintegration of Prisoners in Ireland', details the steps that need to be take to address high recidivism rates in Ireland. Read more
Drug Treatment Court to be Expanded 24th May 2010
Dublin's Drug Treatment Court to combat the problem of low referral numbers over the coming two years. Read more
REPORT ON REINTEGRATION OF PRISONERS IN IRELAND 21st May 2010 
IPRT are launching a new research report "It's like stepping on a landmine..." - Report on Reintegration of Prisoners in Ireland. The report assesses the current provision of reintegration services and support for prisoners on release from prison, identifies key systemic failures, and makes 14 recommendations for necessary improvements. Read more
Mountjoy Under Spotlight at Justice Committee Meeting 21st May 2010
Former Mountjoy Visiting Committee member, Paul Mckay, appeared yesterday before the Justice Committee to express his concern at the conditions in the prison. Read more
Sunday Tribune: Governor Lonergan criticizes Thornton Hall plans 17th May 2010
The Governor of Mountjoy, who has taken early retirement, has stated that prisons should not be hidden - they should be out in the open. Read more
Examiner: Reason squeezed out in debate on overcrowding 15th May 2010
In the 'Irish Examiner', Caroline O’Doherty details the ills of overcrowding in Mountjoy prison. She asks: "If half the official occupancy of the prison are on edge, what’s that likely to do to the other half?" Read more
Irish Times: Minimise use of custody with fewer but better cells 14th May 2010
Professor Ian O'Donnell, writing in the Irish Times, presses home the need for a rethink of penal expansionism. Read more