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.
Saoirse Brady speaks to News at One in an interview given as part of coverage of Irish Prisons Annual Report 2024 Saoilaunch
4th September 2025
Saoirse Brady speaks to News at One in an interview given as part of coverage of Irish Prisons Annual Report 2024 launch
Niamh McCormack - Interview about the Committee on the Prevention of Torture's report on places of detention in Ireland.
25th July 2025
Niamh McCormack is interviewed about the report on the Irish prison system by the Council of Europe Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Degrading Treatment (CPT), published in July which strongly criticised the level of overcrowding across the Irish prison system.
More early release needed to alleviate overcrowded prisons, says Irish Penal Reform Trust
24th July 2025
More early release needed to alleviate overcrowded prisons, says Irish Penal Reform Trust – The Irish Times
Saoirse Brady joined Cormac O'Keeffe on the Pat Kenny Show to discuss some of the reasons why the prison population continues to grow.
22nd July 2025
SB joined Cormac on the Pat Kenny Show to discuss some of the reasons why the prison population continues to grow, IPRT's opposition to building more prisons and to highlight alternatives to custody that can ultimately reduce reoffending and support people on their progression journey.
No end in sight' for chronic overcrowding 'crisis' at Cork Prison
20th July 2025
No end in sight' for chronic overcrowding 'crisis' at Cork Prison
Niamh McCormack interviewed on the subject of overcrowding in Cork Prison
7th July 2025
Niamh McCormack was interviewed on the subject of overcrowding in Cork Prison - Adhmhaidin Dé Luain 7 Iúil 2025.
Questions raised why asylum seekers are being put in prison for weeks before deportation
5th July 2025
Saoirse Brady is interviewed for this article on the treatment of asylum seekers who are detained in prison before they are deported, in breach of international human rights standards.
Deportation of 35 Nigerian asylum seekers cost €500,000
25th June 2025
Saoirse Brady discusses the cost associated with sending 35 asylum seekers back to Nigeria earlier this month which includes the cost of detaining some of these in prison.
Niamh McCormack delivered the IPRT statement to the UN Committee on all forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) in Geneva
16th June 2025
Niamh McCormack delivered the IPRT statement to the UN Committee on all forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) in Geneva.
Disappointment at plan to build new prison in Cork but ‘few alternatives’
7th June 2025
The IPRT expressed disappointment that the Government is planning to build a new prison in Cork, saying this goes against previous commitments.
