Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)

The Leas-Cheann Comhairle will agree this is a matter that must be revisited in some detail, notwithstanding the Minister's confirmation that he is presenting some plans to the Government in the near future. It is important that this House be kept fully informed and this matter will require detailed examination by the Minister of a nature that is not available to Members at present.

In the meantime, having regard to the long-fingered Thornton Hall project, a real problem arises. The Minister will be aware of the case of Gary Douch, who died in Mountjoy Prison when in a cell with six others. Overcrowding in the Minister's prisons is fuelling discontent and violence within prisons, adds to a low level of morale among staff and is highly dangerous.

See this speech in context