Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)

I can understand that they have concerns about such a development in their back yard. I daresay that there is no place in the Dublin area — I would like Deputies to tell me where there is one — and few places on the whole island where the siting of a prison would be welcomed universally by local residents. However, as public representatives we must look beyond narrow, local sectional interests and take into account the broad national interest and the public good. We also have a legal and moral duty to prisoners, for whom Deputy Costello once professed his concern, to ensure they are kept in humane conditions and have access to facilities that will assist in their rehabilitation such as running tracks and football fields for youngsters. Those are the kinds of things that should be available in such facilities but that are not available in Mountjoy.

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