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 Letter to the Minister for Justice regarding the proposed reform of the District Court Criminal Legal Aid Scheme
- Calls For Prison Security Review After Inmate Died In Their Cell
- Irish Penal Reform Trust Calls For Prison Security Review After Inmate Death Report
- DAMNING REPORT ‘Serious questions’ demand after nurse forced to watch helplessly as prisoner died in cell because officers lost keys
- IPRT Condemns Israeli Death Penalty Law and Calls for Urgent EU Action
