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.
Urgent calls to address major overcrowding in Limerick Prison - Limerick Post
20th December 2025
Following a visit by members of the Oireachtas Justice Committee to Limerick Prison, the Minister for Justice is urged to address the overcrowding crisis there. IPRT is among organisations cited as having raised concerns about the issue previously.
No beds for over 100 people in Cork Prison - The Echo
18th December 2025
This article focuses on overcrowding in Cork Prison, which is currently operating at 134% capacity, with over 100 people without beds. Cork Prison has experienced persistent overcrowding for many years.
A System at Breaking Point - Connaught Tribune
16th December 2025
This letter from Saoirse Brady, published in the Connaught Tribune, echoes the points she makes in her foreword to the Progress in the Penal System 2024 report (PIPS 2024). She highlights that PIPS 2024 has shone a spotlight on the need for transparency, accountability and meaningful engagement with oversight bodies. These needs are even more pressing given the current pressures on the system, including overcrowding and other challenges.
Big Increase in Prison Assaults (Roscommon Herald)
9th December 2025
This Roscommon Herald article highlights a sharp rise in assaults at Castlerea Prison between 2022 and 2025, drawing on newly released data from IPRT's Progress in the Penal System (PIPS) 2024 report. It also examines conditions across other Irish prisons and outlines key findings from the report, including issues around access to medical and dental care, as well as ongoing overcrowding concerns
Worsening safety situation' in Cork Prison sparks call for action (EchoLive.ie)
5th December 2025
This article highlights IPRT’s concerns about worsening safety conditions in Cork Prison, where severe overcrowding and a sharp rise in assaults indicate a significantly deteriorating environment. While some positive developments were noted, the prison operated well above capacity throughout 2024 and has reached 130% capacity in 2025. The report links increased violence and strained access to services to chronic overcrowding and stresses the urgent need for safe custody limits and investment in community-based alternatives.
Ireland's Prison system is completely 'inhumane' claims Irish Penal Reform Trust (theLiberal.ie)
4th December 2025
This article from TheLiberal.ie describes the findings of the PIPS 2024 report, highlighting severe overcrowding and inhumane conditions across Ireland’s prisons. Speaking to RTÉ’s Morning Ireland, IPRT Executive Director Saoirse Brady outlined how the situation has worsened significantly, with more than 600 people now sleeping on floor mattresses and occupancy levels reaching dangerous highs in several prisons. Brady emphasised the need for custody to be a true last resort and welcomed proposed expansions to community service as an urgent step forward.
Prisons Full to Bursting - Irish Daily Mail
2nd December 2025
The article highlights the unprecedented levels of overcrowding across Ireland’s prisons, reflecting 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 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.
