Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I want to make it clear that I mean no disrespect to any member of the committee, the Chairman or the committee as a whole. These are not simple issues that can be dealt with without due and proper consideration. I regret that the coroners (amendment) Bill has taken such time. My new target in this regard is to proceed to publication as a priority within the next four weeks before the end of the current Dáil session. I acknowledge the Deputy's frustration. I am happy to have ensured that the Deputy and her office have been taken through the process. Nobody is sitting back or fobbing anybody off. Nobody is saying this is not a priority. We are anxious to get the legislation through. In spite of what the Deputy said, this is a complex issue. Many of these legal reforms derive from the comprehensive 1962 Act. The 2007 Bill proved that this is a legally and technically complex area. I expect that we will be in a position to advance it along the lines suggested by the Deputy over the next four weeks.

Similarly, I am keen to report progress on the pre-action protocols. I understand the importance and the urgency of this matter, which is being examined by senior counsel. The Deputy will agree it is important to have external consultations. I will set a benchmark of 13 July, which is the indicative date for the end of the parliamentary session, on that. I am sure we will have a further opportunity to engage on it.

I acknowledge the importance of the committee's report on prisons and penal policy in the context of the relationship between this committee and the Department of Justice and Equality.

The contents of that report are being fully examined by my departmental officials. We have not enjoyed sight of it for a considerable time. However, aspects of it are both interesting and attractive where policy issues are concerned, and I am happy to make a more formal reply on that in the autumn.

The provision of appropriate mental health services is a challenge, but it is important that we have an effective programme of healthcare in prisons. I have had the opportunity over the past 12 months to visit a number of prisons and speak to prisoners. I speak with prison representative groups and members of visiting committees. There are some challenges, one of which is the health and welfare of prisoners. The use of imprisonment for people with enduring mental illness in inappropriate and unacceptable, especially having regard to the fact that prisons are not therapeutic environments. I accept that there is work to be done, and the Irish Prison Service is concerned is keen to ensure these issues are dealt with in a satisfactory way. I have not seen the letter from the person who has written to Deputy Daly, but it is symptomatic of the challenge that we need to work on addressing. I hope to be in a position to prioritise these issues in the forthcoming budget in the context of my engagement with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.