In recent years it appears to have become almost impossible to be appointed to a prison visiting committee unless one has a close political association with the party or parties in government. This is regrettable. It is also ridiculous and expensive to have members of committees travelling all over the country. While prisoners and committee members sometimes express concern that committees may be too closely associated with prisons in their area, it should be possible for them to visit prisons in adjacent or nearby areas, for example, visiting committees from Limerick should visit Cork and so on. The current system of visitation is very expensive and unproductive. While those with political affiliations should not be ruled out for membership of committees, many view committee members as supporters of the Minister. That is a mistake because it makes the Minister vulnerable to accusations of undue influence. It would be better if Ministers accepted criticism.