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.
Independent.ie: All prison sentences should not be life sentences – a second chance must be there for all who deserve it
26th November 2022
IPRT Executive Director, Saoirse Brady, writes about the real impacts of lifelong convictions that can follow people for decades. She explains what spent convictions are, where the law currently stands and the opportunities we can act on to change the law for the better.
Irish Examiner: People detained in the Central Mental Hospital not afforded all their rights, report finds
31st October 2022
Noel Baker of the Irish Examiner writes about Irish Penal Reform Trust launch of an independently commissioned scoping study on access to rights for people detained in secure forensic mental health facilities...
Law Society Gazette: Justice plan means low-level offenders will avoid jail
1st September 2022
IPRT welcomed the Review of Policy Options for Prison and Penal Reform 2022-2024 and associated action plan approved by Cabinet.
Round-up: The rights, needs and experiences of foreign national and minority ethnic groups in the Irish penal system
27th April 2022
We launched “Sometimes I’m missing the words”: The rights, needs and experiences of foreign national and minority ethnic groups in the Irish penal system at a well-attended online event on Wednesday 27 April 2022.
IPRT appears before Joint Committee on Justice to discuss Anti-Social Behaviour
22nd February 2022
IPRT Acting Executive Director Molly Joyce and Senior Policy & Research Officer Sarahjane McCreery appeared before the Joint Committee on Justice to give evidence on the topic of ’Anti-Social Behaviour’ (ASB).
Round-up: Launch of Progress in the Penal System 2021
7th February 2022
The launch of the fifth edition of PIPS took place on Monday 7th February 2022 via Zoom.
RTÉ, Morning Ireland: COVID-19 outbreaks in prison
19th November 2021
Following news of the first prisoner death due to COVID-19 and several outbreaks in Irish prisons, IPRT Executive Director Fíona Ní Chinnéide spoke to Rachel English on Morning Ireland about IPRT’s core concerns.
RTÉ, Today with Claire Byrne: Central Mental Hospital
20th August 2021
Barry Lenihan reports on capacity issues facing the Central Mental Hospital (CMH), speaking to Prof Harry Kennedy and IPRT’s Molly Joyce.
Round-up: Commencement of the Parole Act
17th August 2021
IPRT comment featured prominently in the media coverage and debate around the changes to parole following the commencement of the Parole Act and the establishment of a new statutory Parole Board.
Round up: Launch of Piecing It Together: Supporting Children and Families with a Family Member in Prison
15th July 2021
'Piecing it Together' was launched by Ombudsman for Children, Dr. Niall Muldoon, virtually on 15 July 2021.
