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.
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.
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.
