Ms Réidín Dunne:

I absolutely did not say that. What I meant was that no one should be committed to prison for a short sentence of two weeks, which is what is happening for women at the moment. There certainly are alternatives for women in the community rather than a custodial sentence for two weeks. A two-week sentence is usually for a very small crime that could absolutely be dealt with through probation and community sanctions. There are a whole range of options available to the court. Often, the court sentences women to short-term sentences in order for them to get a probation report, which they do not get in the community. It is more of a systemic decision rather than a penal one.