IPRT Executive Director Deirdre Malone to leave post

20th December 2018

The Board of the Irish Penal Reform Trust (IPRT) wishes to announce that its Executive Director, Deirdre Malone, will be leaving her post on 8th February 2019 to take up a new opportunity.

Speaking on behalf of the Board, IPRT Chairperson Dr Seamus Taylor said:

“Since becoming Executive Director in March 2014, Deirdre has worked tirelessly to ensure the continued positive impact of IPRT’s evidence-informed advocacy on the penal policy landscape in Ireland. Deirdre’s commitment both to the organisation and to penal reform and the rights of people in the criminal justice system has inspired us all. Her significant legacy includes leadership on accountability across the penal system, and the establishment of IPRT’s ‘Progress in the Penal System’ project, a ground-breaking annual benchmarking of progress towards meeting human rights and international best practice in Ireland’s prisons. She has been an authoritative and respected voice for a group most at risk of rights infringement, and we are committed to building on this to realise the rights of prisoners and those affected by imprisonment.

“Deirdre has also worked tirelessly to ensure the sustainability of the organisation into the future, steering IPRT through its most recent strategic planning process and building the team to deliver this ambitious programme. We wish to thank Deirdre for her outstanding work and commitment to our organisation, and wish her every success in the future.”

“The Board and staff of IPRT continue to work for our objectives of a fairer and more just penal system. We look forward to continuing to advance IPRT’s impact on penal policy during 2019, our 25th anniversary year.”

Deirdre Malone will remain in post until 8th February 2019. From that date, Fíona Ní Chinnéide, currently Deputy Executive Director, will take up the role of Acting Executive Director.

The post of Executive Director will be advertised shortly, with a deadline for applications of 25^th January 2019. More information is available at www.iprt.ie/recruitment

For general enquiries, contact IPRT on 01-8741400

For media enquiries, contact: Fíona on 087-1812990

About IPRT

Established in 1994, the Irish Penal Reform Trust (IPRT) is Ireland's leading non-governmental organisation campaigning for rights in the penal system and the progressive reform of Irish penal policy. Its vision is one of respect for rights in the penal system, with prison as a last resort. IPRT is committed to respecting the rights of everyone in the penal system and to reducing imprisonment. It is working towards progressive reform of the penal system based on evidence-led policies and on a commitment to combating social injustice.

IPRT publishes a wide range of policy positions and research documents; it campaigns vigorously across a wide range of penal policy issues; and has established itself as the leading independent voice in public debate on the Irish penal system.