18th June 2009
The 2009 AGM of the Irish Penal Reform Trust took place on Thursday 18th June, 2009 at the Chester Beatty Library, Dublin Castle, Dublin 2.
As part of the event, IPRT hosted an inclusive public debate on the future direction of Irish prison policy by way of an Open Forum entitled "Re-imagining the Role of Prison in Irish Society".
The event was a huge success, with a full house and highly engaged input from the audience. For a report on event, please click here.
Speakers included:
Professor Andrew Coyle of the International Centre for Prison Studies at Kings College London on the work of the Commission on English Prisons Today - a body comprised of key academics and public officials in the English justice system, chaired by Cherie Booth QC, which reviewed the use of imprisonment in England.
Professor Fergus McNeill of the Glasgow School of Social Work (a joint venture of the Universities of Glasgow and Strathclyde) and a Network Leader in the Scottish Centre for Crime and Justice Research at the University of Glasgow. Professor McNeill has been part of a review process with the Scottish Prisons Commission.
Respect for rights in the penal system with prison as a last resort.