Frances Black (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I refer to penal policy and the urgency around the mental health issue in the prison service. I want to highlight the urgency of this issue and how important it is. From my own experience of working in the prison service with those in addiction and with family members who have loved ones in addiction, I believe there is a huge urgency around this issue. Addiction problems in the prison service is one of the main issues and if more money was put into intervention and addiction treatment services in the prison service, it would probably save the Department and the Government a phenomenal amount of money, in particular in the context of crime. Perhaps the Minister might consider this at some point; I just wanted to flag the urgency around this issue.