Irish Penal Reform Trust

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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

Mick Clifford in @irishexaminer highlights unacceptable conditions in Irish prisons and quotes @saoirse_b “In 2025, people shouldn’t have to share cramped spaces with up to three others, eat standing or on the floor, with no basic amenities.” 📎 bit.ly/4pvDQF2

📢 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

Families carry a hidden cost of imprisonment. It’s time for policy to reflect their reality. #ChildrensRights #PenalReform #SocialJustice #PayingThePrice

Expert panel insights: • Koulla Yiasouma • Patricia Keilthy (Office of the Children’s Ombudsman) • Dr Naomi Feely (Children’s Rights Alliance) They emphasized the need for a child-centred, compassionate approach when a family member is imprisoned.

At the launch: 🗣️ Moninne Griffith (Community Foundation Ireland) – chair & speaker 🗣️ Saoirse Brady (IPRT) – highlighted why this research is urgent 🗣️ Dr Sara Singleton – presented the findings #SocialJustice #HumanRights

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

Imprisonment doesn’t just affect the individual. Families face: 💸 Financial strain 💔 Emotional stress 🏠 Social challenges These hidden costs are too often ignored in justice policy.

📰Yesterday's editorial in @IrishTimes labels prison conditions “unacceptable & inhumane”, citing IPRT & CPT. Urgent reform, not just more cells, is needed. 🔗bit.ly/481X661 #HumanRights #PenalReform #JusticeReform

IPRT’s Saoirse Brady, discussed Ireland’s prison overcrowding on @Newstalk’s @AntonSavageShow . People in custody are often sleeping on mattresses on the floor, and official “capacity” figures don’t reflect reality. 🎧 Listen: bit.ly/47QPrHm ⏱️1:15:06 #overcrowding

⚖️On Community Service Orders (Head 25), IPRT’s evidence highlighted the need for proportionality, supports, and proper resourcing. These reforms mark progress toward a fairer, more effective justice system where prison is truly a last resort. #CriminalJustice #CommunitySanctions

✅ The Committee has recommended removing Head 20, meaning Prison Officers will not be armed with incapacitant spray — a position IPRT strongly supported, in advocating for evidence-based and human rights–compliant safety measures. #HumanRights #Justice

🧵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 @PresidentIRL @MichaelDHiggin8 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 @JohnMorleyNews on @GalwayBayFM 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)

IPRT’s Niamh McCormack spoke to @JohnMorleyNews on @Galwaybayfmnews about the need for rehabilitation and alternatives to custody. She stressed that deprivation of liberty is punishment - without inhuman prison conditions. 🎧 Listen back: 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