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.
Cork 96FM: Prison overcrowding
4th October 2023
IPRT Executive Director Saoirse Brady speaks on Cork's 96FM about the news of overcrowding in Cork prison and how it can be reduced.
Echo Live: Prisoner bed shortage: Concern about living conditions caused by prison overcrowding
3rd October 2023
IPRT responds to the news of 10 people sleeping on mattresses on the floor in Cork Prison. IPRT raises concerns that policies are not mirroring the current reality and put forward solutions that could be achieved through Budget 2024 and beyond.
Irish Times: Solutions to overcrowding
26th September 2023
IPRT wrote a Letter to the Editor responding to the article “Prisoners sleeping on mattresses ‘wedged next to lavatories’ due to overcrowding” published the previous day. IPRT notes its concerns and proposes a solution-based approach that should be considered ahead of Budget 2024.
Irish Times: Sharp increase in short prison terms concerns penal reformers
17th August 2023
IPRT respond to recent data indicating that the number of short sentences being imposed by judges has increased. IPRT responded flagging what we know from successive research and reports that short prison sentences are less effective than community alternatives and break important protective links between people who offend and their communities and families.
Journal.ie: Nearly 15,000 court summonses for failure to pay for a TV licence were issued last year
23rd July 2023
The Journal reports on the number of court summonses for failure to pay for a TV licence issued last year. Irish Prison Reform Trust (IPRT) has campaigned for many years to end the wasteful practice of imprisonment for fine payment defaults. Imprisonment for fines default represents a completely ineffective use of Garda, Courts and Irish Prison Service time and resources.
RTÉ: 61% of former prisoners had reoffended within three years - CSO
11th July 2023
IPRT responds to the most recent CSO data indicating that three in every five people released from prison reoffended within three years.
Independent: Kathleen Lynch - Women’s prisons are proof we haven’t learned enough from Magdalene laundries
27th May 2023
Opinion piece from Professor Kathleen Lynch in response to IPRT's report 'Progress in the Penal System - a framework for penal reform (2022)' which comments on overcrowding and lack of supports in women's prisons.
Virgin Media TV, Ireland AM: Prison overcrowding - IPRT
4th May 2023
IPRT featured on Virgin Media TV on the Ireland AM show to discuss the scale and implications of prison overcrowding and the impact this has on people in prison.
RTÉ: Irish Prison Service confirms overcrowding issues
25th April 2023
In a RTÉ News report on Sunday 23 April, the Irish Prison Service (IPS) confirms overcrowding crisis in prisons that IPRT have previously raised. The IPS states that prisons have reached capacity and are now overcrowded, following a temporary dip during the Covid-19 pandemic. IPRT calls on the Government to use prison as a last resort, not only for those serving shorter sentences but also for those held on remand or eligible, where appropriate, for early or temporary release.
Irish Legal News: Nearly 300 children in Ireland whose mothers are behind bars
2nd March 2023
IPRT's new report on Maternal Imprisonment argues that non-custodial measures at both pre-trial and sentencing stages should be the preferred position for pregnant women and women with dependent children.
