James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

It is absolutely recognised that there is a need for additional prison spaces. The aim is that those who deserve to be in prison will be sent to prison and those who can be diverted will be diverted. Regarding mental health, the Minister, Deputy McEntee, led a very important task force which came up with real markers which are being implemented to help those who are in prison to get the mental health supports they need. There is a pilot programme in Limerick, along with the HSE, to work with people who are dealing with addiction and mental health issues who can be prevented from going into prison.

I agree that we need to people keep people from committing crimes in the first place. Where there are mental health issues leading people to commit crimes, there needs to be intervention. Obviously, the Prison Service cannot do that and, quite frankly, neither can the Courts Service. That needs to happen before people end up committing criminal offences. That requires a whole-of-government approach.

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