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.
Partners of prisoners should get similar social welfare assistance as other lone parents, says report
19th November 2025
This article discusses the launch of the IPRT report "Paying the Price: The Cost and Impact of Imprisonment on Families", with a particular focus on its recommendations for improving social welfare supports. These include revising eligibility rules for the One Parent Family Payment, updating the payment guidelines, and removing the current six-month waiting period.
Supports sought for children of imprisoned parents (RTE News)
19th November 2025
Further coverage of the IPRT report Paying the Price: The Cost and Impact of Imprisonment on Families in Ireland, which details the severe financial and emotional hardship experienced by families when a parent is imprisoned. The article focuses on the report's research into fragmented and inadequate State supports, which often leave families dependent on charities. Additional challenges identified include difficulties maintaining family contact, childcare pressures, housing insecurity, and the wider impact on children’s wellbeing.
Irish Times Editorial - Prison Conditions unacceptable and inhumane
17th November 2025
The editorial highlights worsening prison conditions, including overcrowding, inadequate healthcare, and failures flagged by the CPT and the Inspector of Prisons. It argues that long-term reform - not just new prison spaces - is urgently needed. IPRT is referenced in the piece as a key voice calling for systemic change.
How do we address the issue of prison overcrowding?
16th November 2025
Saoirse Brady joined Anton Savage and guests including the former governor of Mountjoy, John Lonergan to discuss the overcrowding crisis in Irish prisons and potential pathways toward solutions. The conversation reflects a range of perspectives, including operational, lived experience and reform-focused views.
Niamh McCormack discusses overcrowding and deplorable conditions in Irish prisons (Galway Bay FM)
7th November 2025
Discussion following the publication of the Office of the Inspector of Prison's Annual Report 2024
Newstalk Breakfast
7th November 2025
Following the publication of the Office of the Inspector of Prison's Annual report 2024, Saoirse Brady discussed the findings on Newstalk Breakfast.
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.
