Saoirse Brady has been named as the new executive director of the Irish Penal Reform Trust (IPRT), which campaigns for the reform of Irish penal policy.

The trust said that her appointment followed “a rigorous external recruitment process” led by the IPRT’s board of directors.

Brady, a specialist in human-rights law, currently works as head of legal, policy and public affairs at the Children’s Rights Alliance, a role she has held since 2016.

She had previously held positions in a number of other rights organisations – including the Free Legal Advice Centres (FLAC) and Front Line Defenders.

‘Proven track record’

“I'm particularly excited to lead the development of a new strategic plan, building on IPRT's many successes and identifying key priorities for the next five years at a time of opportunity for real and meaningful change,” Brady said.

“Saoirse has extensive experience in human-rights advocacy, alongside a proven track record of achieving meaningful change for the groups she has represented,” said IPRT chairperson Dr Seamus Taylor.

She takes up the new role on 3 May, succeeding Fíona Ní Chinnéide, who had held the post for three years.