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.
Meaningful reform of criminal legal aid system requires greater understanding of issues - Irish Times
12th August 2026
Irish Penal Reform Trust disappointed by apparent lack of nuance in public debate on criminal legal aid.
Irish Penal Reform Trust calls for reform of bail system - RTE Radio 1
21st July 2026
Saoirse Brady joined RTÉ Radio to discuss why Ireland needs to rethink the use of pre-trial detention.
The Irish Times view on bail reform: time for action - Irish Times
21st July 2026
The publication of the Rethinking Remand report has increased awareness of the urgent need for bail reform and greater scrutiny of the use of remand in Ireland, reflected in recent media commentary including an Irish Times editorial.
Legal aid row may put extra pressure on strained prison system - Irish Examiner
20th July 2026
Irish Penal Reform Trust director warns of a further increase in the number of people remanded in custody in already overcrowded prisons.
Serious concerns’ about bail system as pretrial detentions account for 19% of prison population - Irish Times
20th July 2026
Three out of four people held on remand were later released with no custodial sentence, NGO finds.
Call for State to expand youth bail supervision scheme to tackle sharp rise in people held in prisons - Irish Examiner
20th July 2026
Extending the successful scheme to women, young men and to vulnerable groups could help address chronic overcrowding in Irish jails, Irish Penal Reform Trust says.
Calls for overhaul of bail system as one in five people in Irish prisons are awaiting trial - The Journal
20th July 2026
The Irish Penal Reform Trust said reducing the use of remand could ease prison overcrowding.
Remand reform would help solve 'prison overcrowding crisis', report says - RTE News
20th July 2026
The bail system in Ireland is "operating in an opaque, haphazard manner" which risks eroding the rights to liberty and to a fair trial, the Irish Penal Reform Trust (IPRT) has said.
Interview with Niamh McCormack - The Last Word with Matt Cooper
20th July 2026
Our Legal, Policy & Public Affairs Manager, Niamh McCormack, joined The Last Word with Matt Cooper on Today FM to discuss the key findings and recommendations from IPRT's Rethinking Remand report.
Solicitors protest outside CCJ against new payment model
10th July 2026
IPRT joins call for criminal legal aid reforms that protect access to justice.
