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.
The Irish Times: ‘Mine were only babies when I went in’: How kids’ camp at prison helps parents stay connected to their children
3rd November 2023
IPRT comments on the difficulties for children of imprisoned parents in maintaining a relationship with their parents as she attended the kids camp event at Shelton Abbey open prison.
The Irish Times: Three quarters of those released from prison in 2018 not working three years later, CSO shows
2nd November 2023
In an Irish Times report, IPRT responds to the publication of the Central Statistics Office research ‘Circumstances of People Linked to Justice Sanctions’ covering the period of 2025-2021. IPRT welcomes the research focus on employment, notes the impact convictions may have on gaining employment, and puts forward practical steps to address this.
Irish Examiner: Letters to the Editor: It would be better to work towards keeping people out of prison
24th October 2023
In a Letter to the Editor responding to the news regarding the new Limerick Prison, IPRT Executive Director, Saoirse Brady, welcomes developments at Limerick Women's Prison but says diversion ought to be the priority
Law Society Gazette: IPRT highlights rise in number of women prisoners
20th October 2023
In response to the publication of the Irish Prison Service and Probation Service annual reports for 2022, IPRT called for the increased use of community-based alternatives to prison, and a reversal of plans to increase prison spaces.
Irish Legal News: Prison population up since 2013 report called for one-third reduction
19th October 2023
In an Irish Legal News article, it reports on an event on Wednesday 18 October 2023 where politicians marked the ten-year anniversary of the publication of the Report on Penal Reform of 2013 by the Joint Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality at an event in the AV room in Leinster House.
The Law Society Gazette: Invest to cut prison overcrowding – IPRT
5th October 2023
The Law Society Gazette write about IPRT's calls for the Government to invest in alternatives to prison in Budget 2024.
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.
