David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister. For his information, a number of the committee members visited Cork Prison last year and we were struck by the need, as the Minister has suggested, for major changes to be made. A 19th century building does not lend itself to any major redevelopment and therefore I personally believe what the Minister is doing is correct. We saw the overcrowding and the conditions in the prison and it is urgent that this be done. I am fully behind this proposal.

I am also interested in Unlocking Community Alternatives - a Cork Approach, which links in with one of the reports the committee sent to the Minister on penal reform earlier in the year. We are anxious that the review the Minister has undertaken would progress. It is very welcome that this is happening and as a committee we are glad to be able to feed into that and assist in any way possible. Deputy Mac Lochlainn is on his own. Does he want to ask any questions?