Aodhán Ó Ríordáin (Dublin Bay North, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the prison education task force alluded to by the Minister. The task force can do fantastic work, particularly when in a position of overseeing two Departments. The Minister mentioned the children of prisoners and made a very good point. There is a gender dimension to this issue. As the Minister will know, it is suggested that women, particularly if they are mothers, are more profoundly affected by prison life than men. As I am sure the Acting Chairman will agree, this committee will give the Minister any support that we can in that endeavour.