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.
Newstalk News
7th November 2025
Newstalk syndicated its news bulletins featuring the Irish Penal Reform Trust (IPRT), which were carried by approximately 10 media outlets nationwide.
Saoirse Brady Speaks to RTÉ on Deaths in Custody and Overcrowding Crisis following the publication of the Office of Inspector of Prison's Annual Report
7th November 2025
Following the publication of the latest OIP report, Saoirse spoke with RTE about the report’s findings on deaths in custody and the continuing challenge of prison overcrowding.
IPRT Responds to OIP Report Highlighting Record Deaths and Prison Overcrowding
7th November 2025
The Irish Penal Reform Trust (IPRT) said the latest Office of the Inspector of Prisons (OIP) annual report “paints a bleak picture of prison conditions in 2024”. The report reveals that Irish prisons are at breaking point, with severe overcrowding and a record number of deaths in custody.
Saoirse Brady Discusses Prison Spending and Community Sanctions on Drivetime
24th October 2025
IPRT's Executive Director Saoirse Brady was interviewed after it emerged that the annual cost of keeping one person in prison has risen to €99,000 - an increase of almost 12%, according to figures shared with the Dáil’s Public Accounts Committee.
Rehabilitated offenders should be able to move on with their lives - that includes jobs
16th October 2025
IPRT Executive Director Saoirse Brady writes about the barriers faced by people with convictions even long after their sentence is served.
Niamh McCormack joined Deirdre Walsh on the Radio Kerry Talkabout programme to discuss rehabilitation for people with convictions
16th October 2025
IPRT's Legal Policy and Public Affairs Manager, Niamh McCormack, joined Deirdre Walsh on the Radio Kerry Talkabout programme on 16 October 2025 to discuss rehabilitation for people with convictions.
Letter to Irish Times October 15th: On giving convicted people a second chance
15th October 2025
IPRT Executive Director Saoirse Brady’s letter in The Irish Times today welcomes recent discussion on rehabilitation and highlights the ongoing barriers faced by people with convictions long after they have served their sentence.
What is the justice system for if we don’t believe in rehabilitation?
11th October 2025
Irish Penal Reform Trust is referenced in this article by Irish Times columnist Breda O'Brien which focuses on people with a history of convictions and echoes what research tells us.
Lack of clarity over budget funding for addiction and mental health supports in prisons
10th October 2025
This article highlights ongoing uncertainty over government funding for addiction and mental-health supports in Irish prisons, despite severe demand and long waiting lists.
Children's Ombudsman calls to extend youth justice sanctions to adults under 24
16th September 2025
The IPRT are referenced in this interview with Niall Muldoon, the Ombudman for Children where he calls for a separate facility for the detention of young people between 18 and 24 years old as research shows this age group has a greater capacity for rehabilitation. He also recommended increasing the age of criminal responsibility to 14 years.
