RTÉ Investigates: The Psychiatric Care Scandal
9th February 2026
IPRT's Executive Director, Saoirse Brady, contributed to Conor Ryan’s excellent RTE Investigates documentary shown over two nights on 9 and 10 February, which exposed the failures of Ireland’s mental health system. The programme highlights how people in urgent need of psychiatric care are often placed in prison cells rather than receiving hospital or community-based support.
Cases such as Ivan Rosney, who died in custody after being turned away from mental health services, demonstrate the urgent need for practical alternatives and systemic reform.
IPRT has issued a statement calling for immediate change to protect the rights of people in the State’s care, prevent unnecessary trauma, and ensure both the mental health and criminal justice systems work effectively and humanely.
Related items:
- IPRT Statement on Death in Custody Investigation Report Mr. J (Ivan Rosney) Cloverhill Prison 28 September 2020
- No beds for over 100 people in Cork Prison - The Echo
- Worsening safety situation' in Cork Prison sparks call for action (EchoLive.ie)
- Ireland's Prison system is completely 'inhumane' claims Irish Penal Reform Trust (theLiberal.ie)
- Progress in the Penal System (PIPS) 2024
