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.
Worsening safety situation' in Cork Prison sparks call for action
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
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
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
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
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
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.
Ireland's prison system 'inhumane', says Irish Penal Reform Trust
2nd December 2025
This article on the RTÉ website states that Ireland's prison system is “overwhelmed, overstretched and inhumane,” according to the 2024 Progress in the Penal System Report by the Irish Penal Reform Trust (IPRT). IPRT Executive Director Saoirse Brady said the situation has worsened, with over 600 inmates currently sleeping on floor mattresses. She described cramped conditions, noting that in some cells, prisoners must sleep beside open toilets, and 62% must use toilets in front of others.
Gannon criticises “inhumane” Irish prison system
2nd December 2025
Ireland's prison system is in crisis, with overcrowding continuing to spiral out of control, according to Social Democrats justice spokesperson Gary Gannon. His comments followed IPRT's description of the system as “overstretched, overwhelmed and inhumane.”
Irish prison system in unprecedented crisis
2nd December 2025
Experts have raised serious concerns about conditions in Irish prisons, warning that overcrowding is creating “a crisis the likes of which we have never experienced.” The Irish Penal Reform Trust (IPRT) released its 2024 Progress in the Penal System report, assessing the prison system against 35 human rights standards.
Irish prison system breaking point as shock report details ‘lack of dignity’ & ‘inhumane’ conditions amid overcrowding
2nd December 2025
In this article, the IPRT warns that Ireland’s prison system is at breaking point due to severe overcrowding. The PIPS report highlights regression in 11 areas, including humane prison conditions, time out of cell, and the use of force.
