Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)

We are not looking at it in isolation. We have some pre-release programmes and there are a number of organisations, funded through the Department, that also look after prisoners following their release. The Probation Service engages with a considerable number of prisoners before they are released. Tagging is just one of a number of options available. It has proved useful in other jurisdictions but I am anxious to see what is reported back as a result of the initial pilot scheme, on which the work has been done, and in the strategic review. I expect it might have a role in the future but, again, there are resource issues with it. No final decision has been made as to whether we will proceed further with tagging in 2012 or 2013 or whether priority will be given to other forms of intervention.

See this speech in context