Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)

There has been so much abuse in this regard that it is time to raise the flag and call a halt. I had occasion to examine carefully one of the Minister's pet projects, the Refugee Appeals Tribunal, and the pets appointed to it. Frankly, the outcome was horrifying. We have had enough of Fianna Fáil and the Progressive Democrats' friends being appointed to positions without qualifications for such appointments other than their close association with the Government parties. I recommend a new approach, that is, reaching beyond the legal profession and friends of the Government parties.

On prison construction and extensions, the Minister has not given an adequate explanation for the powers he has gathered. He is keen to drive the Thornton Hall matter over the line, but the House passed the Planning and Development (Strategic Infrastructure) Act 2006, which deals with projects of importance to the Government by fast-tracking them through special procedures. Why were prisons not included? Would it not have been a better, independent, accountable and transparent way to deal with the matter were the normal process to prove difficult? I ask that the Minister reconsider the issue.

I will take the opportunity to praise someone who has done the country a great service, namely, the current Inspector of Prisons and Places of Detention, the honourable Mr. Justice Dermot Kinlen, a brave and courageous man. I do not always agree with what he says and the Minister does not agree with anything he says. We owe him a debt of gratitude for his bravery and courage in saying and doing what he did during his years of retirement.

See this speech in context