Ireland’s prisons are in crisis. Chief Inspector Mark Kelly calls current conditions “inhuman and degrading — unworthy of Ireland in 2026.” Reducing the prison population, not building more prisons, must be the priority. This echoes IPRT’s long-standing calls. bit.ly/45GBHic

Celebrating 10 years of the Traveller Justice Initiative (TJI)! Produced by St Stephens Green Trust (SSGT), this video features reflections from those who have shaped TJI’s work, including SSGT, Anne Costello (TJI) and Saoirse Brady(IPRT). 🎥Watch: bit.ly/3YtLLHp @saoirse-b.bsky.social

ICYMI: On 22 Dec, Saoirse Brady, IPRT’s Executive Director, joined RTÉ’s Drivetime to discuss concerns around electronic monitoring being overseen by a private company — and the risk of electronic tagging widening the criminal justice net. 🎧 Listen here: bit.ly/49ImsHX

📢 We’re hiring! The Irish Penal Reform Trust (IPRT) is looking for a Policy & Research Coordinator to support our work on progressive penal reform and human-rights-based justice in Ireland. 👉 Apply & learn more: bit.ly/3N6Dt5K

IPRT was glad to contribute to Penal Reform International’s research on children’s rights in remote justice hearings, sharing Irish perspectives alongside partners across Europe. A timely report with key lessons for child-friendly justice. @penalreformint.bsky.social bit.ly/491lcOP

IPRT's report, Progress in the Penal System (PIPS) 2024, has been featured across national & regional media - print, online, radio, and TV. Thank you to the journalists who helped shine a light on the issues facing people in Irish prisons. Read the report: bit.ly/4oxjtX4

ICYMI: On 2/12/25, Niamh McCormack, IPRT’s Legal Policy and Public Affairs Manager, joined @TheLastWord @TodayFMNews FM to discuss the launch of PIPS 2024 and why building more prison spaces won’t solve overcrowding. 🎧 bit.ly/48iWKcs (1:00:10) #IPRT #PIPS2024

⏳ Only 8 days to apply! IPRT is hiring a Communications, Content and Engagement Officer. 📅 Closing: 12 December 💼 Apply via Hirehive | More info on our recruitment page. bit.ly/4pfqqgv #IPRT #Communications #Content #Engagement

ICYMI: RTÉ Six One News covered IPRT’s Progress in the Penal System 2024. Overcrowding is worsening, conditions have declined, and human rights issues — including rising deaths in custody — are becoming acute (Timestamp: 33:28). Watch here: bit.ly/3XwMhEg #PIPS2024 #PrisonReform #HumanRights

Happening now: PIPS 2024 launch. Great turnout and strong discussion with Ashling Golden, Liam Herrick, Tom Lord, Jacqui Durkin, Darina Ryan-Pilkington, Robert Cullen & Sam Gluckstein. 🔗 bit.ly/4oxjtX4 #PIPS2024 #IPRT @_IHREC

📢 We’re hiring! IPRT is recruiting a Communications, Content & Engagement Officer. Join Ireland’s leading NGO working for the rights of people in prison and evidence-based penal reform. Apply here: bit.ly/4add7sk Please share!

ICYMI 📰@RTE covered the launch of IPRT’s report "Paying the Price: The Impact and Cost of Imprisonment on Families in Ireland" Highlighting the financial, social & emotional burdens on families. Watch ▶️ bit.ly/4r8J2jE (Timestamp: 22:48) #PayingThePrice

A new IPRT report: “Paying the Price – The Cost & Impact of Imprisonment on Families in Ireland” by Dr Sara Singleton (TASC) reveals the financial and emotional burdens families face when a loved one is imprisoned. 📄 Read the report: bit.ly/3K8rdk2 🧵 #PayingThePrice @saoirse-b.bsky.social

📰Yesterday's editorial in @irishtimes.com labels prison conditions “unacceptable & inhumane”, citing IPRT & CPT as voices for reform. Urgent reform, not just more cells, is needed. 🔗https://bit.ly/481X661 #HumanRights #PenalReform #JusticeReformhttps://bit.ly/481X661

IPRT’s Saoirse Brady, discussed Ireland’s prison overcrowding on Newstalk yesterday. People in custody are sleeping on mattresses on the floor, and official figures don’t reflect reality. 🎧 Listen: bit.ly/47QPrHm ⏱️1:15:06 @newstalkfm.bsky.social @antonsavage.bsky.social @saoirse-b.bsky.social

🧵1/3 IPRT welcomes the Justice Committee’s recommendations on the Criminal Law & Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2025 - a step toward a more proportionate and humane penal system. 📄 Read the full report: bitly.is/4i3QcBU #JusticeReform #IPRT #Ireland

As President Michael D. Higgins’ term ends, we wish him & Sabina every happiness. Since 2011, he has been Patron of IPRT championing penal reform, human rights & dignity. Thank you, President Higgins, for your leadership & compassion. 🙏

IPRT’s Niamh McCormack spoke with John Morley on Galway Bay FM about the Inspector of Prisons’ 2024 Annual Report, highlighting grave overcrowding & poor conditions. We need rehabilitation & alternatives to custody — not more prison spaces. 🎧 bit.ly/4oXpgpq (at 1:14)

31 deaths in custody in 2024. IPRT’s Saoirse Brady, spoke to Philip Boucher-Hayes on @RTERadio1 about the Inspector of Prisons Annual Report 2024 and the urgent need to tackle overcrowding. 🎧Listen back (18:20): bit.ly/4hRJdf8 #JusticeReform @saoirse-b.bsky.social

On 4 Nov, IPRT’s Saoirse Brady & Niamh McCormack appeared, with colleagues from the sector and academia, before the Oireachtas Committee on Justice for pre-legislative scrutiny of the Children (Amendment) Bill 2024 to give evidence on strengthening the youth justice system. 🧵 @saoirse-b.bsky.social

Today at 3pm, IPRT appears before the Joint Committee on Justice for scrutiny of the Children (Amendment) Bill 2024. We’re calling for stronger protection of children’s rights in youth justice. Watch live: bit.ly/4oX2Q7X Read our submission: bit.ly/3JDCfNZ

Register now for the launch of IPRT’s new report, “Paying the Price: The cost and impact of imprisonment on families in Ireland.” 📅 19 Nov 2025 | 📍 Dublin 🔗 Register here: bit.ly/4nsqtDY Or visit the IPRT website. #PayingThePrice #CriminalJustice #FamiliesMatter #TASC

It now costs €99,000 a year to keep one person in prison – up almost 12%. On @rteradio1.bsky.social IPRT’s Saoirse Brady said prison is neither effective nor cost-effective, calling for more investment in community sanctions. 🎧Listen back (starts 19:30): bit.ly/3WrseGI @saoirse-b.bsky.social

IPRT spoke on @rteprimetime.bsky.social about concerns with the Exchange of Duty system & unofficial shift swaps. Overworked staff risk burnout affecting safety, well-being & rehabilitation in prisons. Urgent reform & robust oversight are needed. 👉 Watch here: bit.ly/473MyUM

IPRT's Niamh McCormack joined Deirdre Walsh on Radio Kerry's Talkabout programme to discuss rehabilitation for people with convictions & the need for legislative reform to help people rebuild their lives. 🎧 Listen here: bit.ly/4naskNJ #Rehabilitation #SecondChances @radiokerry.bsky.social

Rehabilitation & second chances matter. People with convictions face barriers to jobs, housing & community life long after serving their sentence. IPRT’s Saoirse Brady on what needs to change in @thejournal.ie 🔗 bit.ly/3WCO1eu #rehabilitation #secondchances @saoirse-b.bsky.social

Our Executive Director Saoirse Brady's letter in @irishtimes.com highlights the barriers faced by people with convictions long after serving their sentence. Everyone deserves a genuine second chance. Read here 👉 bit.ly/48s2xNr #Rehabilitation #SecondChances @saoirse-b.bsky.social

Senator Lynn Ruane in @thejournal.ie highlights why incapacitant sprays don’t belong in Irish prisons. We raised the same concerns in our submission last week (bit.ly/48I4cyh) to the Justice Committee - risks to human rights with no evidence they reduce violence. bit.ly/46WZ86L #HumanRights #P

#Budget2026 Welcome boost for Probation, but prison expansion won’t solve overcrowding. Over 5,500 people in prisons built for 4,675. 499 sleeping on mattresses. Real reform means investing in community sanctions, not more cells. Read our full statement: bit.ly/439BNNY

Earlier this week, IPRT’s Saoirse Brady and Niamh McCormack appeared before the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice to discuss the General Scheme: Criminal Law & Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2025. Watch recording here: bit.ly/472n3CX #justicereform

Today @ 3 PM, Saoirse Brady and Niamh McCormack of IPRT are speaking before the Justice, Home Affairs & Migration Committee on the Criminal Law & Civil Law (Misc Provisions) Bill. Watch live here: bit.ly/472n3CX @saoirse-b.bsky.social #criminallaw #penalreform #humanrights #prisonreform

Yesterday, IPRT hosted a well-attended panel discussion, chaired by @saoirse_b on the report of the Council of Europe’s Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT) on its official visit to Ireland. Some key takeaways from the discussion 👇 #CPTIreland2025 #CPT2025

Yesterday, IPRT hosted a well-attended panel discussion, chaired by @saoirse_b on the report of the Council of Europe’s Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT) on its official visit to Ireland. Some key takeaways from the discussion 👇 #CPTIreland2025 #CPT2025

Join us this afternoon as experts reflect on the Council of Europe’s Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT) report following its official visit to Ireland. Watch live: www.youtube.com/live/5BOo_YO... #CPTReport #CPTIreland2025

Ireland’s prisons are at 120% capacity — with almost 500 people sleeping on the floor. IPRT’s #Budget2026 submission calls for investment in mental health, alternatives to prison & reintegration, not more prison beds. Read full submission here: bit.ly/4n5qVJ3

IPRT’s Saoirse Brady spoke with Darren J. Prior on Near FM about Ireland’s prison system, why prison should not always be the answer to less serious crime, and how community service & restorative justice can build safer communities. 🎧 bit.ly/4gyrxVi

Saoirse Brady joined the Claire Byrne Show on @RTERadio1 to discuss the crisis of prison overcrowding. We cannot build our way out of this – prison expansion is not the answer. Listen back (Saoirse from 54:23–56:25): bit.ly/3In0cIR #overcrowding #humanrights

CYMI: Our Executive Director, Saoirse Brady, told RTÉ Six One News on 04/09 that prison overcrowding + people forced to sleep on mattresses are a breach of human dignity + fundamental rights. bit.ly/4n66E60 (From 33:55)

On @news.rte.ie News At One, our ED @saoirse-b.bsky.social responded to Irish Prison Services 2024 Report. Overcrowding and ongoing use of mattresses are an unacceptable breach of human dignity. She called for further Investment in probation & community sanctions. Listen back (36:39): bit.ly/4oYh3SK

🗣️ Prison overcrowding 'extremely concerning' Irish Penal Reform Trust (IPRT) Executive Director, @saoirse-b.bsky.social, spoke to @rte.ie about the increasing prison overcrowding crisis. 📰 📻 Read the article and listen back to the radio clip 👉 www.iprt.ie/iprt-in-the-...

🌟 We’re delighted to welcome Niamh McCormack as the newest member of the IPRT team, joining us as Legal, Policy and Public Affairs Manager. She brings a wealth of experience in criminal justice, human rights and public affairs. 📄 Niamh's staff profile: www.iprt.ie/who-we-are/i...

#jobfairy Opportunity from the Irish Prison Service – Post-Doctoral Researcher in Criminology @maynoothuniversity.ie is seeking a Post-Doctoral Researcher for a 14-month position. Studying Prison In-Reach Services is a two-year research project led by Dr. Joe Garrihy. Info: www.irishprisons.ie.

🌟 We’re delighted to welcome Niamh McCormack as the newest member of the IPRT team, joining us as Legal, Policy and Public Affairs Manager. She brings a wealth of experience in criminal justice, human rights and public affairs. 📄 Niamh's staff profile: www.iprt.ie/who-we-are/i...

You are welcome to attend the #LeaveNoOneBehind Exhibition by @ATDIreland , which will explore this promise means to communities across Ireland When? Wednesday 23rd April, 2-4pm #SDGs Where? Unit 18, Trinity in the Community; off Pearse St www.atdireland.ie/wp/leave-no-...

On last week's RTÉ Prime Time, IPRT's @saoirse-b.bsky.social highlighted how early, support-based interventions—like the Bail Supervision Scheme—can reduce youth reoffending. Detention is costly; prevention works. 📺 Watch back - Saoirse speaks from 5:51 👉 www.iprt.ie/iprt-in-the-... #rtept

'We could be heading towards 6,000' inmates in Irish prisons after Easter court break www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-41...

Executive Director of @irishpenalreform.bsky.social, @saoirse-b.bsky.social (graduate of @ucdschooloflaw.bsky.social ) reading a message from @president.ie on the occasion of #IPRT30

🟠 Celebrating 30 years of IPRT! 🟠 Join us in Dublin on Thursday, 10 April 2025 from 10.30am to reflect on 3 decades of penal reform with founders, former Exec Directors and Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan. 🟠 More details and registration👉 www.iprt.ie/latest-news/... #IPRT30