Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)

I welcome the Minister's commitment on bringing forward new proposals and I am conscious of the difficulties that arise in respect of prison accommodation. I will focus on the serious offences that have been committed, although I do not want to fall into the argument taking place across the water because every offence is serious. In planning prison accommodation, consideration should be given to restricting bail for the offences of murder, manslaughter, sexual assault and personal assault or where the possibility arises of witnesses being intimidated. The murder of a relation, sibling or spouse is already a dreadful experience but if the offender is supposed to be in custody for another offence it must appear to the relatives that the State has failed in its duty of protection. It is very difficult to justify a murder by somebody who should be in the custody of the State.

If the bail laws are being reviewed, perhaps consideration could also be given to the guidance offered to judges and the Prison Service. What level of co-ordination exists between the Courts Service and the Prison Service in regard to the number of spaces available in prisons when sentences are imposed? Co-ordination is needed on the number of daily vacancies in prisons if we are to tighten up this issue.

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