Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent) | Oireachtas source

It is extremely disappointing there has not been progress. Even after the Stocktake report, the prisoners took part in another process and it now looks like another one. They are not seeing anything from the good will they are showing. They assure us that their only interest is in a conflict-free environment but yet these issues persist. There are alternatives to full body searching. There could be a move on the education and language classes. It comes down to a lack of will on the part of the authorities to move these in a way which would be positive for everybody.

I agree no one should feel threatened in their place of work. It is obvious there is tension in the prison but there have been no physical assaults on prison officers in rows Nos. 3 and 4. However, the separation unit continues, along with full body searching and the lack of education. Prisoners have had their licences revoked and are going through a whole process which is extremely unfair. Again, this is about not letting this matter lose momentum any further.

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