Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I do not believe the Deputy is giving this issue the focus it deserves. The proposed facility will replace the very poor services provided to a small number of women - I think the figure is less than 50 - in Limerick. I agree with the Deputy that we should continue to identify appropriate alternatives to custody. I acknowledge that legislation in this regard was passed recently. Neither I nor the Department of Justice and Equality hand down custodial sentences to anybody; it is entirely a matter for the courts to do so. As Minister, I would never interfere with the running or jurisdiction of the courts. It is important for female prisoners to access the structural temporary release arrangements. It is important for us to provide sentencing judges with a range of options, including the imposition of community service, when custodial sentences of 12 months or less are under consideration. I acknowledge the work of the Probation Service in this regard. On any given day, the service works with approximately 1,500 female offenders on a range of probation-type orders to ensure they are adequately assessed and supervised. Many of the women in question are undertaking community service or are under post-release supervision. I agree with Deputy Clare Daly's assertion that as legislators, we should be looking to give the courts a range of options. Ultimately, the courts make decisions on sentences on the basis of the facts of each individual case.

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