An answer to a parliamentary question reveals that between 1997 and 2002 the committees raised only one matter with the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform. In effect, it cost over €2 million to raise. How effective are those committees if over five years they ask one question of the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform? They have cost €2 million in those five years, a sum that would be better spent within the prison service by providing rehabilitation and suicide prevention services. This is a disgrace to the State and a disgrace to all of us who allow it to continue.