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.
Letter to the Editor, Irish Times: "McCarthy report reaction"
28th July 2009
One does not need a PhD in economics to foresee that cuts in resources to high-risk groups could well mean storing up much larger social and economic liabilities for future generations.
"Problems for children in care": youth justice issues on RTÉ 'This Week'
21st June 2009
A report on RTÉ's 'This Week' looking at conditions for those in State care, particularly young offenders. IPRT Chair, Dr Ursula Kilkelly spoke on Youth Justice issues in Ireland.
Irish Examiner: Liam Herrick says we need to rethink our dependence on prisons
19th June 2009
In an Opinion piece published in today's 'Irish Examiner', Liam Herrick outlines how expanding our prison system can no longer be presented as as end in itself.
IPRT comments on chronic overcrowding in Mountjoy Prison
12th June 2009
Following three incidents over a 24-hour period in Mountjoy Prison, IPRT was invited to comment on the issue of overcrowding on Today FM's 'The Last Word' and RTÉ's 'Morning Ireland'...
Fingal Independent: 'Irish penal policy is at a crossroads'
27th May 2009
Planning for prison building must be framed in the context of a wider plan regarding the proper use of imprisonment and the appropriate use of alternatives to custody, according to IPRT.
"Crossroads in prison building presents opportunity to rethink direction"
20th May 2009
IPRT article posted on the Irish Left Review, a new political online magazine.
Thornton Hall prison now 'unaffordable'
19th May 2009
Liam Herrick spoke to RTÉ’s ‘Nine News’ on the opportunity presented to policy-makers following the announcement of the decision to review plans for a new prison at Thornton Hall.
IPRT discuss Sentencing on the Late Late Show
24th April 2009
Liam Herrick appeared on RTÉ's ‘The Late, Late Show’ as part of a discussion on sentencing and the rehabilitation of prisoners, following the release of Michael Bambrick.
Irish Examiner: 'Prison a ‘powder keg’ for people with psychiatric problems'
23rd April 2009
An article in the 'Irish Examiner' reports on IPRT's position regarding current provisions for prisoners with mental health issues.
“Manslaughter verdict in Mountjoy case”
22nd April 2009
Liam Herrick spoke to RTÉ's 'Morning Ireland' on the ways prisoners with mental health problems are dealt with in the Irish penal system.
