Mick Wallace (Wexford, Independent)
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We believe the Prison Service has the right attitude and that it is doing its best but we are of the opinion that not nearly enough people are coming out of prison better than when they went in. We are not saying it is the Prison Service's fault but we are convinced it will be necessary to put many more resources into the Prison Service if we are to get the results we would like. The chances of getting them without actually investing in it is just pie in the sky.

Is the special unit being built in the midlands still going ahead? There is probably a need for such a unit close to every prison.

All manner of figures are thrown around about the number of prisoners today who have mental health issues. Can the Prison Service representatives put a percentage on it? What percentage of prisoners have mental health issues?