Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I acknowledge the Deputy's knowledge of the subject and her genuine interest in it. The report of the Inspector of Prisons is far-reaching and an important contribution to the reform of the criminal justice system, as the Deputy has acknowledged. The Minister, Deputy Frances Fitzgerald, and her officials need time to consider how its recommendations might best be implemented. The report will inform the Irish Prison Service's next three-year strategic plan for the period 2015 to 2018 which will focus on building relationships, rehabilitative measures, efforts to reduce reoffending and the further development of penal policy to realise the vision of a safer community through excellence in a prison service built on respect for human dignity. At the launch of the report the Minister said she intended to bring it to the Cabinet shortly, initially for its information and at a later stage for decisions to be made. In the interim she wants to ensure key stakeholders have a chance to reflect on it and provide feedback.

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