Clare Daly (Dublin Fingal, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I do not wish to labour the point but I will correct the record in case my comments are misconstrued. While I support alternatives to incarceration, a step-down facility is not suitable and in this case it appears to apply to women only. That does not mean I am not in favour of supporting people after their sentence is served. Active engagement is required to ensure former prisoners have a house, receive appropriate treatment, have access to employment etc. However, given that a step-down facility is not provided for men, it is paternalistic to provide one for women. The idea of open centres for women located in the community as an alternative to incarceration is a more modern approach and best policy. We should not spend money on an idea other countries have abandoned. Two issues are being conflated here.

Will the Minister comment on the system in place in the Prison Service for protected disclosures?