Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)

Yes, for the Garda. There would not be an extra financial burden on the IPS. We want to use our people as efficiently and effectively as possible. It does not make sense for gardaí to trip over prison officers in the same courts complex, particularly when the complex is so streamlined and, I hope, efficiently run. Its structure will obviate the need for more personnel.

Deputy Rabbitte referred to the indication of the number of gardaí involved. I will get the information before Committee Stage.

While one may rightly criticise the lack of space in prisons, one should note there has been a dramatic increase in the number of criminal prosecutions in the past year. Between 2007 and 2008, there was a 48% increase in convictions. That is dramatic and it is one of the reasons for the increase associated with legal aid in criminal cases.

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