Hosted by Senator Ivana Bacik, and initiated with the help of IPRT, the All-Party Group on Penal Reform: Briefing Seminar Series (2010–2017) was a series of informal briefings on topical issues for interested members of the Oireachtas and their staff. These seminars provided an opportunity for members of all parties to engage directly with leading experts in the field in private session, focusing on current priorities for penal reform.
Information on the All-Party Oireachtas Group (2021–) is available here.
6th July 2022
The third meeting of the All-Party Oireachtas Group on Penal Reform took place on Wednesday 6 July 2022 in the AV Room of Leinster House. The focus of the meeting was the imprisonment of women.
12th February 2019
Senator Lynn Ruane hosted an Oireachtas Briefing in advance of Seanad Second Stage debate of the Criminal Justice (Rehabilitative Periods) Bill 2018.
13th December 2017
Senator Ivana Bacik hosted IPRT for an All Party Penal Reform Group Briefing Seminar Wednesday 13th December 2017.
6th October 2016
Senator Ivana Bacik hosted the first All Party Penal Reform Group Briefing Seminar of the 32nd Dáil and the 25th Seanad on Thursday 6th October 2016 in the AV Room, Leinster House. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan TD introduced a draft Private Member's Bill entitled ‘Parole Bill 2016’ before the Dáil and this formed the topic of the seminar.
5th February 2015
The eighth seminar for the All Party Oireachtas Penal Reform Group of TDs and Senators discussed the need to pass the Spent Convictions Bill without further delay.
5th November 2014
IPRT welcomed the Seanad Private Member's Motion calling on the Minister for Justice and Equality to outline her proposals for reform of penal policy in the context of the recommendations of (1) Report on Penal Reform by the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality and (2) the Strategic Review of Penal Policy Report (SRPPR).
28th June 2012
IPRT’s Breakfast Briefing on Penal Reform took place at Buswell’s Hotel on Thursday, 28th June, 2012. The materials can be downloaded here.
15th November 2011
The seventh seminar for the All Party Oireachtas Penal Reform Group of TDs and Senators focused on the incarceration of children in St Patrick’s Institution.
10th May 2011
The sixth seminar for the All Party Oireachtas Penal Reform Group of TDs and Senators, and the first of the new Dáil session, focused on Spent Convictions legislation.
2nd December 2010
The fifth seminar for the All Party Oireachtas Penal Reform Group of TDs and Senators focused on 'Smart Investment and the Crime Dimension to Budget 2011’.
Respect for rights in the penal system with prison as a last resort.