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.
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
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.
Despite overcrowding, prison officials told to exclude immigration detainees from temporary release
13th August 2025
IPRT Raises Concerns Over Immigration Detention and Prison Overcrowding
'Human rights at risk' as Cork Prison sees 103 inmates without a bed
8th August 2025
In The Echo, IPRT’s Niamh McCormack warns that severe overcrowding in Cork Prison may amount to degrading and inhuman treatment. She highlights the impact on safety, rehabilitation, and human rights, and calls for urgent expansion of community-based sanctions.
Concerns over record overcrowding levels at Cork Prison
8th August 2025
Speaking to RedFM News, IPRT’s Legal, Policy and Public Affairs Manager Niamh McCormack said conditions in Cork Prison have become inhuman and degrading as overcrowding reaches record levels. With one in four people sleeping on mattresses on the floor, Niamh stressed that all prisoners have a right to be treated with dignity.
Niamh McCormack - Interview about the Committee on the Prevention of Torture's report on places of detention in Ireland.
25th July 2025
Niamh McCormack is interviewed about the report on the Irish prison system by the Council of Europe Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Degrading Treatment (CPT), published in July which strongly criticised the level of overcrowding across the Irish prison system.
More early release needed to alleviate overcrowded prisons, says Irish Penal Reform Trust
24th July 2025
More early release needed to alleviate overcrowded prisons, says Irish Penal Reform Trust – The Irish Times
Saoirse Brady joined Cormac O'Keeffe on the Pat Kenny Show to discuss some of the reasons why the prison population continues to grow.
22nd July 2025
SB joined Cormac on the Pat Kenny Show to discuss some of the reasons why the prison population continues to grow, IPRT's opposition to building more prisons and to highlight alternatives to custody that can ultimately reduce reoffending and support people on their progression journey.
No end in sight' for chronic overcrowding 'crisis' at Cork Prison
20th July 2025
No end in sight' for chronic overcrowding 'crisis' at Cork Prison
Niamh McCormack interviewed on the subject of overcrowding in Cork Prison
7th July 2025
Niamh McCormack was interviewed on the subject of overcrowding in Cork Prison - Adhmhaidin Dé Luain 7 Iúil 2025.
