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.
Lack of clarity over budget funding for addiction and mental health supports in prisons
10th October 2025
This article highlights ongoing uncertainty over government funding for addiction and mental-health supports in Irish prisons, despite severe demand and long waiting lists.
Children's Ombudsman calls to extend youth justice sanctions to adults under 24
16th September 2025
The IPRT are referenced in this interview with Niall Muldoon, the Ombudman for Children where he calls for a separate facility for the detention of young people between 18 and 24 years old as research shows this age group has a greater capacity for rehabilitation. He also recommended increasing the age of criminal responsibility to 14 years.
Prisons today Alternative sentences for most prisoners? Podcast Interview on Near FM with Saoirse Brady
11th September 2025
Prisons today. Alternative sentences for most prisoners? - Saoirse Brady, The IPRT - Near FM (2025)
Niamh McCormack spoke to Angela Noone-Faull of CRCfm in Mayo on The Chatroom,
10th September 2025
Niamh McCormack spoke to Angela Noone-Faull of CRCfm on The Chatroom, highlighting why Ireland needs real alternatives to short prison sentences.
Prison overcrowding crisis has deepened further this year
5th September 2025
RTE article on the prison overcrowding crisis in which Saoirse Brady is quoted.
New prisons ‘will not solve’ overcrowding crisis
5th September 2025
The Irish Legal News covers the launch of the Irish Prison Service's 2024 Annual Report and IPRT reaction to same. Saoirse is quoted but was not interviewed directly for this article.
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.
