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.
Irish Examiner: Ireland tops EU table for prisoner release
8th May 2013
A Council of Europe Penal Statistics Survey (SPACE I) of over 50 countries reveals Ireland to have one of the highest committal and release rates in Europe, reports Cormac O’Keeffe in the Irish Examiner.
Roundup: Reactions to Justice Committee Report on Penal Reform
28th March 2013
Media coverage of the 'Report on Penal Reform' published by the Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality on 27th March 2013. IPRT welcomed the report, and called for Government action on all recommendations.
The Irish Times examines Ireland's prisons
21st January 2013
A series of articles on the problems and progress within Ireland's jails.
Increasing number of older prisoners raises questions over whether prisons are equipped to care for them.
9th January 2013
Since 2007 there has been a large increase in the number of older and elderly inmates in our prisons. However, is a prison system geared towards younger prisoners equipped to deal with their particular needs?
Irish Prison Service to begin electronic tagging of prisoners in limited circumstances.
29th December 2012
It has been announced that the Irish Prison Service will begin tagging prisoners on release in very limited circumstances in the New Year.
Roundup: Reactions to Report on Children and Families of Prisoners
20th November 2012
A roundup of media reactions and discussions on issues raised in a new IPRT report, '"Picking Up the Pieces": The rights and Needs of Children and Families Affected by Imprisonment.'
Roundup: Reactions to IPRT Reform Proposals on Remission, TR and Parole
24th October 2012
A roundup of media reactions to IPRT's proposals for reform of remission, temporary release and parole, launched Mon 22nd Oct 2012.
Roundup: Reactions to the Inspector of Prisons' Report on St. Patrick’s Institution
17th October 2012
The Department of Justice yesterday published a scathing report by the Inspector of Prisons on St. Patrick's Institution.
Irish Examiner: 7% of inmates locked up for 23 hours, 30% of St Pat’s locked up for 20+ hours a day
28th September 2012
In two articles in the 'Irish Examiner', Cormac O'Keefe reports on the numbers being held on protection across the prison estate, with particular focus on the numbers held on protection in St Patrick's Institution.
Irish Examiner: 'Ad hoc rules need reform'
26th September 2012
Writing in today's 'Irish Examiner', Michael Clifford picks up on issues around sentencing and consistency discussed at the IPRT Annual Lecture 2012.
