Martin Conway (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I apologise for being late. I have read the opening statement from Mr. Donnellan. I congratulate Mr. Donnellan on his reappointment as director general of the Prison Service. I believe it was a wise move because he has done an extraordinary job. The resources of the Prison Service have been cut considerably in recent years. Yet, what the service has achieved has been remarkable. We have gone from 1,000 people to 50 people slopping out. That is only one figure but it is remarkable.

The Prison Service officials can take it from the tone of this committee that we are very much in unison in terms of the work the Prison Service staff are doing, their attitudes and their approach. We are very much of the view that when people go to prison, it should be for rehabilitation. This view is not shared by the public, unfortunately, and that is the job we have to do. A prisoner may be given a sentence for several years. Society needs to embrace the fact that these individuals and citizens will be back out in the community. We have a duty and responsibility to rehabilitate them.

I am one of the longest-serving members because I was on the last committee. We visited Mountjoy Prison and Cork Prison, before the new prison building was constructed there. It would not be a bad idea, Chairman, if we were to revisit Cork Prison to see what is happening in the new prison. There is nothing better than being in a place to really get a flavour for what is happening.

The idea of prison as an absolute last resort is something we all support. I am keen to offer whatever practical assistance those of us in the Oireachtas can give, outside of funding. The fines legislation has certainly made a difference. I note that Mr. Donnellan has indicated the Prison Service is already noticing the difference in this regard. Are there other areas where we can assist? Would other legislation assist in ensuring that those who should not be committed to prison can be dealt with in another way?

I agree with Deputy Clare Daly's suggestion that mental health training should be mandatory. The committee should write to the Minister and look for additional funding to be made available to the Prison Service in order that it can provide mental health training to all staff. It is a good thing that new prison officers will be recruited this year. That is important.

My final question is important from our perspective. I am not convinced that prison visiting committees serve any useful purpose. I am keen to hear the view of Prison Service officials on how effective they are. Is there a better or more meaningful role for them? Is there something better they could do?

My next comment is on the whole structure of whistleblowing within the structures of the Prison Service.

Based on what is going on in An Garda Síochána, I presume the Prison Service has an established protocol for whistleblowers who have concerns about, for example, what Deputy Wallace was saying about bullying. If someone were to come forward, are proper structures in place to deal with it?