Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)

While I will obviously not discuss in detail the advice of the Attorney General on any matter, the State is contesting these cases vigorously. Perhaps the Deputy is aware that a decision was handed down by the High Court the other day which dismissed a claim. It did not receive much publicity.

While I agree with the Deputy that independent observers are appalled by slopping out, as am I, the difference is that I am doing something about it whereas predecessor Governments did nothing about it. I am tackling a problem about which others have only talked and am glad of Deputy Costello's support. I am also glad that he reminded me of independent calls for the closure of Mountjoy Prison and of support for my plan to close it and replace it elsewhere, which comes from an independent source.

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