Séamus Healy (Tipperary South, Workers and Unemployed Action Group)

I welcome and support the Bill in particular because of the savings that will arise from the implementation of its provisions. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan has indicated some of the figures involved, with savings of between €4,000 and €27,000 and there is obviously a strong economic argument for the Bill.

I wish to focus on prevention as opposed to punishment. I regard social investment as being a very important factor in tackling crime. The prison population both in Ireland and world-wide is composed of an over-representation of some categories of people. It is noticeable that levels of education, health - in particular, mental health - poverty, substance addiction, are all factors. It is common that young offenders often come from a background in residential care. A number of issues need to be tackled if we are to deal with the question of crime. The saying that prevention is better than cure is true in this regard. Prevention is also significantly more cost effective. An American statistic which is probably also relevant to Ireland shows that every dollar provided for preschool care in the United States creates a saving of $12.90.

The education sector is crucial and the proper funding of preschools in this country in order to give young people an early good chance in life is crucial for their future and for that of society. I refer to the importance of homework clubs, after school activities and support for weaker students in the education system by means of resource teachers and special needs assistants. Unfortunately, this area of education is falling victim to cuts and significant numbers of special needs assistants have lost their jobs over the past 12 months. This is continuing. It is a counter-productive policy from the point of view of education and of future financial savings.

Many members of the prison population seem to suffer health problems and mental health problems in particular. An early and thorough implementation of community-based health services provided for in the Vision for Change document is required. Other community services such as community halls and sports facilities are very important and there are not enough of them. I refer also to a need for more community gardaí as this scheme has been very successful but it is coming under significant pressure. I note that currently 21 superintendent posts are vacant. There have been nine resignations and retirements in the Clonmel district in the recent past and none of those posts have been filled. It is crucial that these posts are filled, in particular, with regard to crime prevention and community policing. The cutbacks and the moratorium on recruitment should be suspended with regard to the community Garda service.

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