Brian Hayes (Fine Gael)

It is important we move this debate to a higher plain than that of cat calling on each side. We can all provide examples of where this has happened in the past.

What I find reprehensible is the notion that appointments made by a Minister are in some way connected to a person's affiliation to a party. Fine Gael raised the issue of prison visiting committees last year. Despite Senator Minihan's suggestion, there has not been wholesale reform in this area. The view remains that appointments to prison visiting committees are based on party political affiliation. I have in my possession three letters from former Ministers.