Irish Penal Reform Trust

Respect for rights in the penal system with prison as a last resort.
| Reg. Charity No. 20029562 |

[Irish Penal Reform Trust @IPRT]

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[Irish Penal Reform Trust @IPRT]

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.

🔗 https://t.co/wewL5dbDr1
#PIPS2024 #IPRT @_IHREC

[Irish Penal Reform Trust @IPRT]

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.”
📎 https://t.co/pPbhFJJLuB

[Irish Penal Reform Trust @IPRT]

📢 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: https://t.co/mdJhraj2Bj
Please share!

[Irish Penal Reform Trust @IPRT]

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 ▶️ https://t.co/GfgOoyGTlj (Timestamp: 22:48) #PayingThePrice

[Irish Penal Reform Trust @IPRT]

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

[Irish Penal Reform Trust @IPRT]

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.

[Irish Penal Reform Trust @IPRT]

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

[Irish Penal Reform Trust @IPRT]

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: https://t.co/l6K6yBpc7J 🧵
#PayingThePrice

[Irish Penal Reform Trust @IPRT]

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.

[Irish Penal Reform Trust @IPRT]

📰Yesterday's editorial in @IrishTimes labels prison conditions “unacceptable & inhumane”, citing IPRT & CPT. Urgent reform, not just more cells, is needed. 🔗https://t.co/IEVQCqpJHT
#HumanRights #PenalReform #JusticeReform

[Irish Penal Reform Trust @IPRT]

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: https://t.co/TMW4LkqXMl ⏱️1:15:06
#overcrowding

[Irish Penal Reform Trust @IPRT]

⚖️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

[Irish Penal Reform Trust @IPRT]

🧵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: https://t.co/HGTpCOG4k7

#JusticeReform #IPRT #Ireland

[Irish Penal Reform Trust @IPRT]

✅ 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

[Irish Penal Reform Trust @IPRT]

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. 🙏

[Irish Penal Reform Trust @IPRT]

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.
🎧 https://t.co/vtHOAqz6OI (at 1:14)

[Irish Penal Reform Trust @IPRT]

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: https://t.co/vtHOAqz6OI (at 1:14)

[Irish Penal Reform Trust @IPRT]

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): https://t.co/KgQHRXdgBj #JusticeReform
@saoirse_b