Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Deputy O'Dowd is right to identify this as an area needing attention. Prevention is also important. Many women are taken into custody for reasons to do with debt or drug addiction, which are key factors. In terms of prevention, it is key that the Courts Service and the Probation Service work together on this. If people are released from prison, we must try to prevent them from reoffending and being returned to prison. The number of women in Dóchas has risen. I visited Dóchas and met the governor, who pointed out that many of the women are imprisoned for only short periods. There are long-term prisoners, but many sentences are quite short. Therefore, I do not believe it would take a significant amount to have the kinds of service that could make a difference by supporting these women and helping to provide an alternative lifestyle for them. Often the issue has to do with drugs and with the provision of proper treatment. I do not have figures with me, but I can send on the details of the final figures in writing.