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.
Solicitors protest outside CCJ against new payment model
10th July 2026
IPRT joins call for criminal legal aid reforms that protect access to justice.
Legal bodies unite against planned criminal legal aid reforms
10th July 2026
Several national legal, human rights and civil society organisations came together on Friday at the Criminal Courts of Justice in Dublin to voice their concerns over planned changes to Ireland’s criminal legal aid scheme and the potential consequences for access to justice.
Discussion on Irish Bail Law Reforms and Implementation
10th July 2026
IPRT, Niamh McCormack: Legal, Policy and Public Affairs Manager Niamh McCormack appeared on The Tonight Show on Virgin Media Television on 7 July 2026.
Taoiseach insists Govt has health-led approach to drug use
25th June 2026
In this RTÉ article and interview on RTÉ Radio One, Irish Penal Reform Trust Executive Director Saoirse Brady welcomed the final report of the Oireachtas Committee on Drugs Use and its recommendation to decriminalise the possession of drugs for personal use.
Failure to provide addiction nurses in Irish prisons is further punishing vulnerable people
16th June 2026
In this article by Mick Clifford in the Irish Examiner about the impact of the absence of addiction nurses in Irish prisons. Saoirse Brady is quoted and said ''It is a profound failure to provide even the most basic clinical care to people with serious health needs''.
Irish prisons have no addiction nurses (Newstalk Podcast)
16th June 2026
Saoirse Brady joined The Claire Byrne Show to discuss the lack of addiction nurses employed by the Irish Prison Service, despite an estimated 4,000 prisoners experiencing addiction-related issues.
'What’s going on with teenagers in Ireland?': Do we have a problem with youth crime?
31st May 2026
This article from The Journal reports on public concern about youth crime and the wider social factors influencing teenage behaviour and referencesIPRT’s recent findings in From Punishment to Progress, highlighting how poverty, inequality and disadvantage increase the risk of young people entering the criminal justice system. The article also features expert commentary on the need for nuanced responses, early support and diversion‑focused approaches for children and teenagers.
Calls For Prison Security Review After Inmate Died In Their Cell
22nd May 2026
Niamh McCormack, IPRT’s Legal, Policy and Public Affairs Manager, tells Kildare Today that the case exposes serious systemic gaps in prison security and emergency access. She warns that hundreds of people were effectively unreachable behind locked doors that day, raising urgent questions about safety, fire procedures, and accountability. IPRT is calling for a full audit of key‑holding practices and robust measures to ensure this cannot happen again.
Report into death at Midlands Prison 'extremely distressing' to read
21st May 2026
IPRT’s Niamh McCormack spoke to RTÉ’s Morning Ireland about the Inspector of Prisons’ findings on a death at Midlands Prison, describing the report as “extremely distressing to read”. She noted the rising number of deaths in custody and the urgent need to address overcrowding and systemic safety risks.
Irish Penal Reform Trust Calls For Prison Security Review After Inmate Death Report
21st May 2026
In this interview, Niamh McCormack, IPRT’s Legal and Public Affairs Manager, highlights deep systemic failures in prison security and emergency response exposed by the Inspector of Prisons’ report. She stresses that no one in State custody should ever be left without timely medical care, and calls for an urgent, system‑wide review to prevent such incidents recurring.
