Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am watching my speaking time allocation which is now coming to an end. The only problem there is that we do not seem to gain any headway on a couple of issues.

First, there are the CHOs in the various areas, including in my area, where people were being referred to prison because there is no space for them. These were people with special needs, an addiction, or an addiction plus something else. There was no space available for them and there is still no space available for them. People are being referred to prisons as a means of accommodating them because they present a danger to themselves or to somebody else. In such circumstances we need to advance developments in those areas in such a way as to ensure that we do not have a situation whereby somebody has to go to prison.

How advanced is the Minister on in the capital programme for the year? Is it being dealt with adequately or will we be dealing with it as a postponed year?

Finally, there was a reference to administration costs, which increased by the precise amounts by which grants have been reduced. I am a very simple country boy and the Chairman is as aware of this as much as I am. My simplicity amazes even myself, sometimes. The amount for administration increased by the precise amount of the grants that were ceasing. I will accept written replies, or whatever, but I need a reply on this issue, please.