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.
Prison overcrowding group to meet after capacity crisis warning
20th April 2026
This article reports on record levels of overcrowding across Irish prisons, with capacity exceeding 120% and hundreds of people sleeping on mattresses on cell floors. It outlines concerns raised by the Irish Prison Service and the reconvening of a cross-agency response group to address the issue. Saoirse Brady of IPRT is quoted highlighting the “degrading and dehumanising” conditions caused by persistent overcrowding. IPRT emphasises the urgent need for systemic solutions to reduce prison numbers and improve conditions.
Continued reliance on ‘single separation' of children at Oberstown detention centre
17th April 2026
This article reports on a Health Information and Quality Authority inspection of Oberstown Children’s Detention Campus, which found an over-reliance on isolating young people through “single separation”, raising serious children’s rights concerns. The report links these practices in part to staffing shortages and identifies gaps in oversight and implementation of recommendations. Saoirse Brady of IPRT is quoted emphasising that children’s rights must not be compromised due to operational pressures. IPRT highlights the need for a rights-based approach and adequate resourcing to reduce the use of restrictive practices.
Crime and class Who really ends up behind bars in Ireland?
4th April 2026
In this op-ed, Senator Lynn Ruane draws on IPRT’s From Punishment to Prevention report to highlight the strong links between poverty, inequality and imprisonment. She emphasises how people from under-resourced communities are disproportionately affected by the criminal justice system. The piece argues that structural disadvantage — including housing, education and health inequalities — drives pathways into prison. Ruane calls for greater focus on prevention and addressing the root causes of crime.
Inmates still earn just 50c for a day's work in Irish prisons
1st April 2026
This article examines low prison wages in Ireland, where people earn as little as 50c per day for work while facing rising costs for basic goods. Saoirse Brady of the Irish Penal Reform Trust is quoted highlighting how inadequate pay places strain on people in prison and their families. The piece also outlines how low incomes can contribute to debt, vulnerability and inequality within prisons. IPRT calls for fairer pay to support dignity, rehabilitation and reintegration.
Life after prison - David McCullagh Show RTE Radio 1
31st March 2026
Saoirse Brady, Executive Director of IPRT, spoke to David McCullagh, who was joined by Robert Cullen, an MA student with lived experience of the prison system. The broadcast discusses life after prison, highlighting the experiences and challenges faced by individuals transitioning back into society.
People in Ireland from poorer backgrounds are at a higher risk of going to jail, says report - Liberal.ie
26th March 2026
This article features further coverage of IPRT’s report From Punishment to Prevention: Poverty, Inequality and Pathways into the Irish Criminal Justice System, highlighting how people from disadvantaged backgrounds are disproportionately affected by the criminal justice system. It emphasises that poverty and structural inequality drive imprisonment and calls for greater investment in preventative supports.
Irish Penal Reform Trust Links Poverty to Criminal Justice System - RTÉ News
25th March 2026
RTÉ news bulletins covered the launch of IPRT’s report From Punishment to Prevention: Poverty, Inequality and Pathways into the Irish Criminal Justice System, highlighting how the organisation has linked poverty, disadvantage, and structural inequality to higher rates of imprisonment. IPRT emphasised that criminalisation is often shaped by circumstance rather than choice and called for a shift toward preventative, community-based responses to reduce entry into the criminal justice system.
Poverty, inequality increases risk of entering the criminal justice system - IPRT - RTÉ News
25th March 2026
In this online article, RTE journalist Ailbhe Conneely covered the launch of IPRT’s report From Punishment to Prevention: Poverty, Inequality and Pathways into the Irish Criminal Justice System, which highlights how poverty, disadvantage, and structural inequality increase the risk of people entering the criminal justice system.
Irish Penal Reform Trust Discusses Alternatives to Imprisonment - Newstalk
25th March 2026
In an interview with Newstalk Breakfast's Anton Savage, IPRT Executive Director, Saoirse Brady discussed alternatives to imprisonment including diversion schemes and restorative justice initiatives.
IPRT's Niamh McCormack is interviewed for Kildare Today on KFM
25th March 2026
Following the launch of IPRT’s report From Punishment to Prevention: Poverty, Inequality and Pathways into the Irish Criminal Justice System, Legal Policy and Public Affairs Manager Niamh McCormack was interviewed by Hannah Kelly on Kildare FM to discuss its findings.
