Irish Penal Reform Trust

Lobbying Organisation Irish Penal Reform Trust

Date published 19 Sep, 2025

Relevant Matter Public policy or programme

Public Policy Area Justice and Equality

Period 1 May, 2025 to 31 Aug, 2025

Specific Details Attended meeting in Bedford Row with Minister O'Callaghan following book launch by children impacted by family imprisonment

Intended results Seeking improvement in visiting conditions in all prisons to improve family connections

Name of person primarily responsible for lobbying on this activity Ashling Tobin

Did any Designated Public Official(DPO) or former Designated Public Official(DPO) carry out lobbying activities on your behalf in relation to this return? You must include yourself, and answer Yes, if you are a current DPO or a DPO at any time in the past. (What is a Designated Public Official?) No

Did you manage or direct a grassroots campaign? No

Was this lobbying done on behalf of a client? No

Lobbying activity

The following activities occurred for this specific Subject Matter Area.

Informal communication (1)

Attended Bedford Row following launch of book supported by IPRT. Raised the issue of Cork Prison being the only prison providing evening visits, the restrictions with only two children allowed per visit and also the security procedures particular the use of dogs and the impact this has on children with both Minister O'Callaghan and Senator Ryan.

Designated public officials lobbied

The following DPOs were lobbied during this return period on this specific Subject Matter Area. These DPOs were involved in at least one of the Lobbying Activities listed above, but not necessarily all of them. As returns are specific to a Subject Matter Area the above Lobbying Activities may be associated with multiple returns.

Jim O'Callaghan Minister (Department of Justice)

Dee Ryan Senator (Seanad)