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.
Irish Examiner: 'Delay in laws to address court fine jailings'
18th October 2011
Cormac O'Keeffe reports that despite the significant numbers being sent to prison for non-payment of fines, legislation enacted last year to address the issue will not be operational for at least 12 months.
thejournal.ie: 'Government urged to address ‘sub-standard’ prison conditions'
10th October 2011
Reporter Aoife Barry details IPRT's response to the Government's commitments on prisons-related recommendations contained in the UN Universal Periodic Review.
RTÉ Six One News: 'Govt urged to address prison overcrowding'
6th October 2011
Ireland's first hearing under the UN Universal Periodic Review took place today in Geneva. A third of countries highlighted prison issues.
RTÉ Prime Time: 'The trials and tribulations of fine-defaulters'
27th September 2011
IPRT's Liam Herrick appeared on RTÉ's 'Prime Time' in a report on imprisonment of fine-defaulters, which asked whether the Courts are dealing with the issue in the most appropriate manner, given the straitened financial times in which we are living?
The Irish Times: 'Shatter to review mandatory terms for drugs offences'
17th September 2011
Writing in 'The Irish Times', Carol Coulter reports on Minister Shatter's "wide-ranging speech" at the Irish Penal Reform Trust’s annual lecture.
Politico: All encompassing review of penal policy needed to tackle prison overcrowding
7th September 2011
Paul Walsh reports on the release of the Report of the Thornton Hall Project Review Group and the IPRT's response to the recommendations made.
RTÉ Nine News: IPS Annual Report shows increase in prison population
26th August 2011
The Irish Prison Service Annual Report 2010 reveals further worrying increases in the Irish prison population. Liam Herrick discusses this and other issues emerging from the report.
The Irish Times: 'UN urged to examine Irish human rights lapses'
13th August 2011
Calls for improved prison conditions and an independent complaints system for prisoners are among the items under consideration during the UN periodic review of Ireland, 'The Irish Times' reports.
Medical Independent: 'Suffering on the Inside'
11th August 2011
June Shannon examines whether the State is meeting the basic human rights of Irish prisoners with a mental illness in an overcrowded and decaying jail system.
RTÉ News: 'Early releases considered due to prison overcrowding'
8th August 2011
Dr Mary Rogan, Chairperson of IPRT, talked to 'News at One' about current proposals to tackle prison overcrowding, including incentivised early release; Jane Mulcahy, IPRT Research & Policy Officer spoke to RTÉ Nine News.
