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.
Prison Service fighting 'losing battle' against overcrowding (Irish Examiner)
2nd December 2025
The article outlines the severe and escalating overcrowding across Ireland’s prisons, echoing the findings of IPRT’s Progress in the Penal System (PIPS) 2024 report. Executive Director Saoirse Brady stresses that expanding prison spaces will not resolve the crisis, as new beds are quickly filled while conditions and rights deteriorate.
Prison system ‘at breaking point’ with urgent action needed to tackle overcrowding (The Irish Times)
2nd December 2025
The article outlines the worsening overcrowding crisis across Ireland’s prisons, as highlighted in IPRT’s latest Progress in the Penal System (PIPS) report. Executive Director Saoirse Brady stresses that expanding prison spaces will not resolve the crisis, as new beds are quickly filled while conditions and rights deteriorate.
Irish Prison System overwhelmed and overstretched new report states (Newstalk)
2nd December 2025
The article reports on IPRT’s latest findings, which show Ireland’s prison system is overwhelmed and unable to uphold basic rights due to severe and escalating overcrowding. Executive Director Saoirse Brady stresses that expanding prison spaces will not resolve the crisis, as new beds are quickly filled while conditions and rights deteriorate.
Ireland's prison system 'inhumane', says Irish Penal Reform Trust (RTE News)
2nd December 2025
This article on the RTÉ website states that Ireland's prison system is “overwhelmed, overstretched and inhumane,” according to the 2024 Progress in the Penal System Report by the Irish Penal Reform Trust (IPRT). IPRT Executive Director Saoirse Brady said the situation has worsened, with over 600 inmates currently sleeping on floor mattresses. She described cramped conditions, noting that in some cells, prisoners must sleep beside open toilets, and 62% must use toilets in front of others.
Gannon criticises “inhumane” Irish prison system
2nd December 2025
Ireland's prison system is in crisis, with overcrowding continuing to spiral out of control, according to Social Democrats justice spokesperson Gary Gannon. His comments followed IPRT's description of the system as “overstretched, overwhelmed and inhumane.”
Irish prison system in unprecedented crisis (Irish Legal News)
2nd December 2025
Experts have raised serious concerns about conditions in Irish prisons, warning that overcrowding is creating “a crisis the likes of which we have never experienced.” The Irish Penal Reform Trust (IPRT) released its 2024 Progress in the Penal System report, assessing the prison system against 35 human rights standards.
Irish prison system breaking point as shock report details ‘lack of dignity’ & ‘inhumane’ conditions amid overcrowding (The Irish Sun)
2nd December 2025
In this article, the IPRT warns that Ireland’s prison system is at breaking point due to severe overcrowding. The PIPS report highlights regression in 11 areas, including humane prison conditions, time out of cell, and the use of force.
Interview with Saoirse Brady on Morning Ireland (RTE Radio One)
2nd December 2025
Executive Director Saoirse Brady interviewed on Morning Ireland, as part of coverage of the launch of the Progress in the Penal System 2024 (PIPS 2024) report.
Irish prisons slammed as overcrowded and overstretched (Newstalk FM)
2nd December 2025
A prison system overwhelmed, overstretched, and unable to uphold the fundamental rights of many people in its care’ – that is the stark messaging coming from a report from the The Irish Penal Reform Trust today. Interview with Saoirse Brady, Executive Director, Irish Penal Reform Trust.
Interview with Niamh McCormack on the Last Word with Matt Cooper (Today FM)
2nd December 2025
IPRT's Legal Policy and Public Affairs Manager, Niamh McCormack speaks to Matt Cooper on the Last Word about the findings of the IPRT's Progress in the Penal System (PIPS) 2024, highlighting the scale of prison overcrowding and its consequences for safety, dignity, rehabilitation and overall prison conditions. Niamh also explains why building more prisons is not the answer.
