Clare Daly (Dublin Fingal, Independent)
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In some ways, the questions are obvious but the answers might be slightly be more complicated. The witnesses' presentation has been comprehensive and has supported the view put forward by others to this committee that the provision of secure housing is key in terms of penal policy in the future. We have the precise contradiction referred to by Deputy Jack Chambers. I am sure it was always difficult to get accommodation for people but at least, one could do the "roof over your head" bit. The support bits might have been more problematic but presumably, the "roof over your head" bit is even more stretched now because of the housing crisis. What sort of units are the Simon Communities or the Probation Service getting for people who have been released? Is it being left to the voluntary organisations? What approach is being taken by local authorities because it is very difficult to see?

If a few are prioritised or ring-fenced for people in prison, those who are not in prison will say, "Hang on a minute. Do I have to commit a crime so I can get a house because I cannot get one either?" There should be a house for everyone but there is a societal reason and an economic argument for supporting those with drug and addiction problems which is that it will save society in the long run - while not in any way saying a person has to commit a crime to get a house. Who is leading that and who should lead the inter-agency approach? The Probation Service is the interface when someone is being released and where much of the planning takes place. I am aware of current examples of people who have been released or are on the verge of being released into permanent accommodation. It can work well but there can also be problems. Do the witnesses have a suggestion for how it might be done? The housing issue has to be sorted but is there anything in particular that we can do? Who should be leading it?

The idea of prison breaking the cycle is critical to the project that we have here. I will give the example of a young family whose family has been in touch with us. Declan Barrett, a young man aged 25 years, is a paranoid schizophrenic. He is serving a three-year sentence in Castlerea Prison for assault. He and his family are desperate for the prison experience to be used to get supports. We have written to the director general and the governor of the prison, who have worked with us. He previously received treatment for two weeks in the Central Mental Hospital, which was not nearly enough. By the time his turn comes up to even get in there again, they think his sentence will be over and none of the problems will have been addressed. It seems utter lunacy - this comes up at all our meetings - that people who have been diagnosed with serious mental health problems which have caused them to behave poorly are not getting the appropriate supports. If there was any diversion of resources, even to the Central Mental Hospital, we could save and reduce our prison population. It seems utter madness. What is the witnesses' experience in that regard?

I consider the gender-specific issue in prisons key. We have tried to pursue the Minister with questions about why there is no open prison for women or not more of the housing in the community options that are available in Britain. Someone could have their children with them in group housing and sign in etc. It is much cheaper and better. Is there anything we can do to advance that or any good projects that we could push on? This is important. It would have a huge impact on the female prison population if the issue was addressed.