Mr. Brian Purcell:

That is what we are trying to do. We are trying for a balance between achieving significant cash savings and efficiencies and delivering a better service. As the Deputy rightly stated, this work must be placed in the context of an ever-increasing number of committals into custody. There are two sets of figures. Since 2008, the number has increased by 28%. In the same period, the number actually in custody has increased by 25% and the number in the system has increased by 30%, by which I mean people who are in custody or on temporary or reviewable release.

If the three elements - efficiencies, delivery of savings and improved and reformed services - were occurring on a level playing field, they would comprise a significant achievement. However, undertaking this process at a time when committal and custody numbers are going through the roof puts it in a different context.