IPRT is committed to promoting and supporting the development of prison litigation in Ireland. Since 2009, we have co-hosted with the ICBA and the DSBA a series of Prison Law Seminars. This series has provided CPD accredited expert seminars for barristers and solicitors on topical issues of prison law and also provided a platform for exchange of ideas and information between leading practitioners in this area.
We have also provided support and assistance for both barristers and solicitors involved in prison litigation. This has involved research on legal developments internationally or at the ECHR level, identifying potential expert witnesses, and directly providing expertise and information on the operation of the prison system. We will continue to provide this support and we welcome contact from any practitioners who would like assistance with relevant litigation.
28th October 2015
IPRT and ICBA are delighted to announce a seminar on Bail Reform on 11th of November 2015 in the Jury Assembly Room of the Criminal Courts of Justice.
31st March 2014
IPRT, Migrant Rights Center and the Irish Criminal Bar Association invite you to a law seminar on the growing trend of slavery and trafficking in cannabis production,both in Ireland and globally.
29th October 2013
Some highlights of this bulletin include The case of Kavanagh which successfully argued that certain prisoners serving sentences in relation to the supply of drugs were eligible for Temporary Release. The cases of Hui and Callan v. Ireland on applications for remission for certain categories of prisoners.
16th July 2013
The latest in the IPRT Prison Law Seminar series took place on Tues 16th July 2013 in the Courts of Criminal Justice. The event was held in conjunction with the Irish Criminal Bar Association on the topic of civil litigation by prisoners.
20th March 2013
The Irish Sentencing Information System (ISIS) has launched a new bulletin written by Tom O’Malley B.L., aiming to keep readers informed of developments in sentencing in Ireland and abroad.
4th March 2013
Highlights of this bulletin include: access to appropriate medical treatment in prison; amendment to Prison Rules 2007 on investigation of ‘Category A’ complaints; and the publication of the Report of an Investigation into the death of a prisoner.
6th February 2013
Highlights of this bulletin include a media report on prisoners granted leave by the High Court to challenge decisions of the Irish Prison Service; a "pilot judgment" of the ECHR regarding overcrowding in Italian prisons; and UK media reports on over-use of imprisonment for women offenders.
14th January 2013
Highlights of this bulletin include a judgment of the ECHR regarding prison conditions; and media reports on older prisoners, temporary release and an inquest into the death of a heroin-addicted prisoner following ‘unstructured’ release.
28th November 2012
Highlights of this bulletin include actions on access to medical treatment for serious illness; a claim against the the Secretary of State for not following the recommendation of the Parole Board to transfer the claimant to open (Category D) conditions in the UK; and a judicial review of the parole commissioners' decision to revoke the claimant’s licence.
2nd November 2012
Highlights of this bulletin include two legal challenges brought by young people detained in St. Patrick's Institution,a roundup of media reporting on various issues including the recent report of the Inspector of Prisons on St. Patrick's, and several ECHR cases.
Respect for rights in the penal system with prison as a last resort.