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 Sunday Forum: Society's Moral Response to Murder
11th January 2010
IPRT's Liam Herrick was one of the panellists discussing what society’s moral response should be to someone who takes another person’s life. The programme focussed on sentencing, and the need to achieve justice for families of victims while showing fairness to perpetrators.
Irish Times: End jailing of boys at St Patrick's, say campaigners
1st December 2009
Penal reform campaigners have called for an end to the practice of locking up teenagers in prison for up to 23 hours a day for their own protection, writes Carl O'Brien in the Irish Times.
Irish Examiner: Behind Bars No Place for a Child
30th November 2009
An analysis piece by Dr Ursula Kilkelly, Chairperson of IPRT, on the launch of 'Detention of Children in Ireland: International Standards and Best Practice.)
RTÉ1 and 4FM: Detention of Children in Ireland
30th November 2009
Liam Herrick, IPRT Executive Director, talks to 4FM's 'Lunchtime'; Dr Ursula Kilkelly, IPRT Chairperson, talks to RTÉ's 'Drivetime'.
Irish Times: European prison crowding ruling could lead to similar case here
9th November 2009
The European Court of Human Rights rules that prison overcrowding in itself can violate Article 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights (the right to freedom from torture or inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.)
RTÉ Six One News: Violence in Prisons
29th October 2009
RTÉ's Six One News reported on serious incidents which have taken place in Mountjoy Prison and Castlerea Prison this week.
Irish Examiner: Ahern ‘fully committed’ to Community Service Scheme report
20th October 2009
On a very practical level, wider use of community service has the potential to significantly reduce the pressure on the Irish Prison Service.
Irish Times 'Project diverted 91 mentally ill prisoners.'
17th October 2009
Results indicate that the Prison Inreach and Court Liaison Service based in Cloverhill prison have successfully diverted 91 mentally ill prisoners to community based treatment in 2008.
Today FM: Worst overcrowding in living memory?
16th October 2009
The increase in numbers in Irish prisons is about to get out of control. Liam Herrick spoke to Matt Cooper on yesterday's 'The Last Word'...
Irish Times: 'Number of Prison inmates exceeds 4,000 for first time'
15th October 2009
"The number of prisoners in Irish jails has exceeded 4,000 for the first time in the history of the state," by Conor Lally.
