Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)

I genuinely welcome the Tánaiste's comments in respect of Mr. Justice Kinlen. Moreover, I recall doing radio interviews on the state of the prisons in the immediate aftermath of the dreadful circumstances surrounding the death of Mr. Gary Douch. The telephone calls received by some radio stations showed a complete disinterest in the conditions into which people are placed. Unfortunately, the attitude that they should be locked up and forgotten about was expressed too frequently and strongly. This is causing significant harm to society because recidivism is very strong. We must have a proper rehabilitation system that gives real prospects to those who have committed crimes to follow a path after prison of not re-offending and not returning to prison in a revolving door mechanism.

Although this point sometimes gets caught in the debate on how strong Members are as they flex their muscles on the criminal justice system, too many people are put in prison. Many people in the prison system are imprisoned for very short periods for relatively minor crimes and sometimes for non-payment of fines. I am aware all these matters are on the Tánaiste's agenda and Members must deal with them in the House in a collective way. However, I would certainly engage with the reforms signalled by him and Members should have the opportunity in future to ensure the prison system's character changes in the manner described by the Tánaiste.

See this speech in context