Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)

I endorse the remarks of my colleague, Senator Finucane, about the urgent need for the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform to come to the House. During the past week, some of the most savage attacks we have ever seen, particularly on women, have occurred; the horrific experience of a couple attacked in Country Clare is an example. Attacks such as these are to be deplored. Even more to be deplored is that one of the criminals concerned had been in court a few days previously, but there was no place for him to be held. Even today there has been a tragedy in Mountjoy Prison, where a prisoner was stabbed to death just a few hours ago. At what point will we call a halt to crime? The Minister has failed miserably. Within the last month he has been responsible for the closure of two prisons. There was no place to go for one person who was involved in a crime.