Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)

No, it is consistent with the successful prosecutions by the Garda and the courts. This must be appreciated in light of the difficulties we acknowledge arise in prisons. That is why I suggest our plans deserve more support from the Opposition. One must accept there has been a dramatic investment. Those who suggest we squandered the boom in respect of prisons should note there are 1,400 extra prison spaces and 450 to be made available between now and the end of the year. These are real prison spaces. The extension at Wheatfield is magnificent. We are not resting on our laurels because we want to move on the provision of another substantial block in the Midlands Prison, if the Exchequer position allows it, as an interim measure pending the implementing of the Thornton Hall proposals. We are still moving on Thornton Hall, as I stated during Question Time. We will proceed with the project at Thornton Hall on a phased basis. I hope phase 1 will start before the end of the year or early in the new year. We must be given some credit in that respect.

Deputy Thomas Byrne raised the closure of Dunshaughlin courthouse. There is a brand new courthouse, opened last year, not too far down the road in Blanchardstown. There is a courthouse in Trim and in my home town.

The Courts Service has been reviewing the issue of courts around the country. The matter is somewhat similar to that associated with Garda stations. One point Mr. McCarthy made in his report was that the designation or closure of a Garda station should not be the responsibility of the Minister and should be exclusively that of the Garda Commissioner and Garda management. I agree, because it is not up to me. We are all under political pressure not to close Garda stations in this or that village but ultimately the people on the ground who understand the normal policing requirements must make the decision.

The proposal speaks for itself.

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