Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees
Thursday, 21 March 2013
Public Accounts Committee
2011 Annual Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General and Appropriation Accounts
Vote 13 - Office of the Chief State Solicitor
Vote 19 - Justice and Equality
Chapter 15: Lease of Accommodation for a Probation Service Project
12:40 pm
John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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Yes.
I agree generally with what Deputy Nolan said about the system. It may be the best the Department can do with the allocation it has and, bearing in mind the draw factor to which Mr. Purcell referred, it is absolutely appalling that some people are left locked in that system for years. It has definitely affected their families, their mental health and how they view things. To condemn them for that period of time while not allowing them to do anything or contribute in any way is a policy matter but the system, in dealing with these cases, should have recommended greater efficiencies to achieve an answer, whether to remain or to go. That should be our target. I accept that Mr. Purcell cannot give specific targets but that should be a general one.