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.
RTÉ News at One: Concern over numbers of reoffenders
25th May 2010
RTÉ reporter Caitríona Perry interviewed the speakers at the launch of the IPRT report '"It's like stepping on a landmine..." - Reintegration of Prisoners in Ireland'. In the news item, a former prisoner articulated the difficulties faced in reintegrating into society after release.
The Sunday Times: Jail upgrades spark doubts over ‘super-prison’
23rd May 2010
Existing prisons are being extended as Thornton Hall becomes a 'long-term' objective, and calls for spent convictions legislation.
Mountjoy Under Spotlight at Justice Committee Meeting
21st May 2010
Former Mountjoy Visiting Committee member, Paul Mckay, appeared yesterday before the Justice Committee to express his concern at the conditions in the prison.
Irish Times: Parents behind bars
18th May 2010
As Ireland’s prison population grows, more children are having to cope with the stigma and loneliness of a parent in jail, writes Sheila Wayman in 'The Irish Times'.
Today FM: What does imprisonment for life actually mean?
11th May 2010
Should life sentences for homicide run concurrently or consecutively? Liam Herrick of IPRT and Joan Deane of AdVIC talked to Today FM's Matt Cooper about sentencing in homicide cases.
Irish Times: Parents imprisoned for failing to ensure children go to school
7th May 2010
In an article in today's 'Irish Times', Jamie Smyth and Brendan Grehan report on the imprisonment of parents for failure to ensure their children attend school. IPRT believes the €8k it costs to imprison a parent for 30 days could be better spent...
Sunday Business Post: Prison service hits out at ‘unsuitable’ medical provisions
2nd May 2010
Public Affairs Correspondent John Burke reports on a newly published review of health care provision in the Irish prison system.
Irish Times Letters: Resignation of prison governor
28th April 2010
In a letter to 'The Irish Times', the Women in Prison Reform Alliance calls for government to engage on the serious issues raised by the resignation of Governor McMahon.
Irish Independent: Prison chief hits back after governor quits women's jail
27th April 2010
Today's 'Irish Independent' reports on the resignation of the Governor of the Dóchas Centre, including the call from IPRT on Justice Minister Dermot Ahern to take responsibility for overcrowding.
Irish Examiner: Prison boss denies governor was undermined
27th April 2010
In today's 'Irish Examiner', Cormac O'Keeffe reports on Governor McMahon's resignation and the response of the Irish Prison Service.
