Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)

It is very disappointing, therefore, to see both the Labour Party and Fine Gael strongly backing the interests of a group of residents in one area, however well-intentioned, and showing so little regard for the welfare of prisoners or the wider public interest in ensuring we have an effective and humane prison infrastructure. The sole purpose of the motion is to try to generate negative publicity. They know, and I know, that the Comptroller and Auditor General is both competent and a man of integrity, and that as a matter of course he would in any event review all items of major expenditure, including the purchase of the site at Thornton Hall.

See this speech in context