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 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? (The Irish Times)
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.
Prisons today Alternative sentences for most prisoners? Podcast Interview on Near FM with Saoirse Brady
11th September 2025
Prisons today. Alternative sentences for most prisoners? - Saoirse Brady, The IPRT - Near FM (2025)
Niamh McCormack spoke to Angela Noone-Faull of CRCfm in Mayo on The Chatroom,
10th September 2025
Niamh McCormack spoke to Angela Noone-Faull of CRCfm on The Chatroom, highlighting why Ireland needs real alternatives to short prison sentences.
Prison overcrowding crisis has deepened further this year
5th September 2025
RTE article on the prison overcrowding crisis in which Saoirse Brady is quoted.
New prisons ‘will not solve’ overcrowding crisis
5th September 2025
The Irish Legal News covers the launch of the Irish Prison Service's 2024 Annual Report and IPRT reaction to same. Saoirse is quoted but was not interviewed directly for this article.
Saoirse Brady speaks to News at One in an interview given as part of coverage of Irish Prisons Annual Report 2024 Saoilaunch
4th September 2025
Saoirse Brady speaks to News at One in an interview given as part of coverage of Irish Prisons Annual Report 2024 launch
Overcrowding is now a major issue is Irish prisons, new report says - The Liberal
25th August 2025
The article from the Liberal covers the Council of Europe’s report on chronic overcrowding and quotes the IPRT response to the CPT report.
