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 Journal: Close to 13% increase in number of committals to prison last year, according to new report
13th December 2024
The Irish Penal Reform Trust responded to the publication of the Irish Prison Service Annual Report 2023 by the Irish Prison Service.
Irish Times: Prison watchdog warns of ‘immense task’ in tackling overcrowding in Irish jails
13th December 2024
The Irish Times reported on the Irish Penal Reform Trust's response to the publication of the Irish Prison Service Annual Report 2023.
Newstalk: Mountjoy Prison chapel closed due to overcrowding
27th November 2024
On 27 November 2024, IPRT Executive Director Saoirse Brady spoke to Newstalk Live presenter Andrea Gilligan about the chapel's closure in Mountjoy Prison.
Irish Examiner: Alternatives to prison in cases of non-violent crime urged
20th November 2024
On Wednesday 20 November 2024, after the Irish Penal Reform Trust (IPRT) Cross-Party Hustings at the Mansion House, Dublin, Irish Examiner journalist Liz Dunphy reported on the event.
Echo Live: Record breaking inmate numbers at Cork prison 'poses clear risks', says Irish Penal Reform Trust
18th November 2024
On 18 November 2024, the Irish Penal Reform Trust (IPRT) Executive Director responded to the number of people sleeping on the floor in Cork prison. She also speaks about IPRT's recent public attitudes polling by RED C.
Galway Pulse: Voting in Prison: ‘I didn’t engage with that process because I didn’t feel part of that system’
9th November 2024
On 9 November, Anne-Marie Brennan wrote about the experience of people voting in prison for Galway Pulse. IPRT gave some insights to the process.
RTÉ Today with Claire Byrne: Could we ease prison overcrowding by following the UK’s early release plan?
25th October 2024
On 23 October 2024, Irish Penal Reform Trust Executive Director, Saoirse Brady, spoke to Colm Ó' Mongáin on RTÉ Today with Claire Byrne show about solutions to the prison overcrowding crisis.
Newstalk: Lunchtime Live - Does the Irish prison system work for women?
24th October 2024
On 24 October 2024, IPRT Executive Director Saoirse Brady spoke to Andrea Gilligan on Newtalk Lunchtime live in response to the UK Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood saying that she believes “prison isn’t working” for women.
Irish Independent: Saoirse Brady: Dangerous overcrowding in our prisons doesn’t just pose a risk to inmates – it threatens public safety too
22nd October 2024
Following the publication of the Prison Overcrowding Response Group report, which was released by a freedom of information request, Irish Penal Reform Trust (IPRT) Executive Director, Saoirse Brady, penned an opinion piece in the Irish Independent on the current state of overcrowding in prisons in Ireland.
RTÉ Upfront with Katie Hannon - Drug use and addiction
21st October 2024
On Monday 21 October, in a conversation about drug use, addiction and anti-social behaviour on RTE's Upfront with Katie Hannon show, Irish Penal Reform Trust Executive Director, Saoirse Brady, responded to the panel discussion which included Dr Ian Marder, Deputy Jim O'Callaghan, Deputy Gary Gannon and Ciara Kelly.
