Mary White (Fianna Fail)

I am probably treading on dangerous ground in what I am about to say. However, if I do not speak out here, I might as well stay at home.

In 50 years, we will look back on our society and consider it barbaric. It is a source of constant pain to me that most of the people in our prisons are poor. People are born into poverty, dysfunctional families and drink and drugs problems. It is very difficult. If I were born a Traveller, I do not know how long I would survive. I am not suggesting that Travellers are responsible for crime, but illustrating that life is difficult enough to survive when we have everything going for us. I feel strongly that our system is barbaric. When I was chairperson of the President's Award organisation, I made that point at a function in Trinity College. The President's Award encompasses all sections of society.

I believe that 95% of gardaí are models of good behaviour, but the other 5% need to reform their ways. I was watching a programme on the television which contained a skit on the behaviour of gardaí in Donegal. I find that truly disturbing. I will probably get into awful trouble for saying this to the Minister and being provocative, but I look to him as a man who will deliver the goods.