Round-up: IPRT launches Progress in the Penal System (PIPS) 2024

2nd December 2025

 

 

Irish Penal Reform Trust (IPRT) was delighted to launch the seventh edition of Progress in the Penal System (PIPS) on 2 December 2025 at the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission's event space. The PIPS project has been tracking and assessing progress across Ireland’s penal system since its inception, guided by a set of 35 standards informed by international human rights norms and best practice. These standards provide a framework for evaluating prison conditions, regimes, accountability, and reintegration, and reflect IPRT’s commitment to a progressive penal system that protects the rights of all individuals in contact with the justice system.

PIPS 2024 marks the first report since PIPS 2022 and covers developments in 2024 while drawing on data and insights from 2025, including the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture’s report following its May 2024 visit to Ireland. For this edition, 31 of the 35 standards were assessed, with language updated to remain current, relevant, and aligned with human rights principles, including avoiding the term “prisoner” where possible.

The launch event featured strong media engagement and a fantastic turnout. The panel discussion, expertly chaired by IPRT Vice Chair and PIPS Advisory Group Chair Ashling Golden, highlighted the urgent challenges facing the Irish penal system and the need for greater oversight and accountability. Ashling also chaired the PIPS Advisory Group, whose members — Roisin Mulgrew, Vivian Geiran, Damien Quinn, and Kathleen Lynch — provided expert guidance throughout the report’s development.

Key contributions at the event included:

Tom Lord, IPRT Policy and Research Coordinator and PIPS 2024 report author

Liam Herrick, Chief Commissioner, Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (keynote address)

Panel discussion:

• Jacqui Durkin, Chief Inspector, Criminal Justice Inspection NI
• Darina Ryan-Pilkington, Manager, Risk & Compliance, Irish Prison Service
• Robert Cullen, MA student with lived experience of the prison system
• Sam Gluckstein, Senior Expert Advisor to the Office of the Inspector of Prisons on OPCAT

The report presents a stark picture of the Irish prison system while offering realistic, solutions-focused recommendations that require a whole-of-Government response to the ongoing overcrowding crisis. This conversation was an important opportunity to reflect on progress, accountability, and the urgent reforms needed across the penal system.

Read the report here. 

The PIPS project is generously funded by Community Foundation Ireland.