Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Briefly, while I have the floor before going to Deputy Berry, I raise an issue in my own constituency. The Tánaiste quite rightly mentioned the multifaceted role played by the Defence Forces. One important role over the last 50 years has been the provision of additional, and oftentimes required, security at Portlaoise Prison. My understanding is that the bill for such extra security provided from the Department of Defence through the Defence Forces is in excess of €2 million per year. The number of high-security prisoners in Portlaoise is much lower than it was some years ago and there was a suggestion that there might be something of a scaling back on the 24-7 armed security provided by the Department of Defence. Is provision made in the current Estimate for a continuation of these funds, or is to be expected that there may be something of a change in policy, having regard now to less than a handful of what might be regarded as high-security, dangerous prisoners who have been imprisoned for terrorist-related offences? I note in this regard the capital cost, which I am not sure is being borne by the Office of Public Works, the Department of Justice or by the Department of Defence, in respect of a new building at Portlaoise Prison which is to be exclusively used by representatives of the Defence Forces. Should there be something of a scaling back of the Defence Forces requirement at the prison? I also wonder to what use this building might be put? If the Tánaiste does not have detailed information there, he-----