IPRT Board of Directors

Dr Seamus Taylor (Chairperson)

Seamus is a Lecturer in Social Policy Studies in the Department of Applied Social Studies, NUI Maynooth. He has worked as Director of Equality and Diversity at the public prosecution service for England and Wales and as Director of Strategy at the Commission for Racial Equality, as well as working in local government and serving on a number of national bodies in Britain. He is currently a member of the UK based Hate Crime Research Group. Seamus was awarded a CBE in the British Honours system in 2010 in recognition of work on equality in the UK legal system.

Prof Aislinn O'Donnell (Vice Chairperson)

Aislinn is a Professor of Education in Maynooth University. She has lectured in Philosophy and Philosophy of Education at a number of universities including the University of Dundee, University College Dublin, National College of Art and Design, and Mary Immaculate College (University of Limerick). Her writing, teaching and research involve engagement in a range of formal settings, such as schools, as well as informal settings and non-traditional sites of learning, including closed institutions. She has published widely, including on topics relating to imprisonment and education.

Kevin Gregory (Treasurer)

Kevin is Director of Finance, IT & Governance with Barnardos Ireland.  A Chartered Accountant, Kevin has considerable experience in the not for profit sector, working at a senior level in The Community Foundation for Ireland, Business in the Community, Focus Ireland, Vita and St. Michaels House.  Kevin previously was an Associate Director with Savills and Head of Finance and Operations in an e-commerce firm.  Kevin qualified as a Chartered Accountant with PwC and has a B.Comm, MSc and Diploma in Project Management.

Kathleen Leader SC (Secretary)

Kathleen is a practising barrister, working in the area of criminal law. She has been Senior Counsel since 2018, having previously been Junior Counsel since 2002.

Joan O'Flynn

Joan O'Flynn has wide-ranging experience in social inclusion research, policy and practice gained through working in civil and public service and voluntary sector in Ireland and the community sector in Britain. Joan's former roles include CEO and National President of the Camogie Association; Director of the National Advisory Committee on Drugs and Drugs Policy advisor, Department of Health; working in the Dormant Accounts Division and Social Inclusion Units in Departments of Community, Rural & Gaeltacht Affairs and Department of Social Protection; Head of Communications and Public Education and Head of Programmes with the Combat Poverty Agency. Joan works as an independent consultant and occasional lecturer in social policy.

Niall Walsh

Niall is Manager of the Pathways Centre and is involved with prison education and the education and support of prisoners post-release. A graduate of the Trinity Access Programme at Trinity College Dublin, Niall holds a degree in Social Science from NUI Maynooth, a Postgraduate Diploma in Adult and Community Education and a Postgraduate in Education Management, both from Maynooth University and a Masters in Criminology from Dublin Institute of Technology. Niall is on the Advisory Panel of the Prisoner Support Network and a member of the Irish Prison Service Research Panel.

Liz Leavy

Liz is Human Resources Director at XS Direct. Prior to that, she was Senior HR Manager at Diebold Nixdorf from 2012 - 2021, and also has held various senior HR positions. Her skills include executive coaching, employee relations, developing and incorporating policies and procedures, and project management.

Miranda Trouabal

Miranda is a teacher at the Pathways Centre, a CDETB training and education centre aimed at respite and reintegration for former prisoners in the crucial period after release. She holds a degree in Business and Psychology from Dublin Business School and a Postgraduate Diploma in Adult Education from Maynooth University. Miranda was also involved in the College Connect community needs analysis and the Maynooth University/Mountjoy Partnership.

Ashling Golden

Ashling is Justice Programmes Manager in Solas Project, working with young people aged 15-24 who are no longer suitable for diversion, before the courts, in prison and returning to the community post custody. She works face-to-face with these young people, while also managing the staff and the strategic development of the work. Previously, Ashling worked for eight years in a Garda Youth Diversion Project in Dublin's North Inner City, as well as with Roca in Boston, an organisation focused on young gang members. Ashling has a BA in Public Administration and Community Development from the University of Limerick, as well as a Master's in Youth and Community Work from the National University of Maynooth and a Master’s in Criminology from TU Dublin.