Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)

Notwithstanding the significant workload of the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform in so far as there are 46 Bills from that Department, some of which must be taken before the summer recess, I have a question for the Minister in respect of prisons. In view of the fact that the Government of which the Minister was a member presided over the closure of three prisons — Cork Prison, Shanganagh Castle and the Curragh — and that the promised replacement at Thornton Hall has not commenced and requires legislation before it commences, will he ensure that this legislation is taken by this House as a matter of urgency?

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