Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)

I agree with the Deputy's view that imprisonment should be a last resort, but there are some very bad and violent people in respect of whom, to protect the community, the only option is a sentence of imprisonment when a conviction is obtained.

I agree with the Deputy's view regarding in-cell sanitation. It is a view I expressed from her side of the House. Within our prison system, all cells should have sanitation. Originally, the view was that it was not possible to provide it in Mountjoy Prison. When this matter was further examined, it became clear that such sanitation appears to be possible throughout the prison. The pilot scheme being conducted in C wing is to ensure the feasibility of the project. If it works out as we expect, the next step will be to seek the resources to extend in-cell sanitation throughout Mountjoy Prison. I am very conscious of the conditions in the other two prisons the Deputy named. That is an issue I hope we will have an opportunity to address within the constraints of the resources available to the State.

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