Feargal Quinn (Independent)

There was a fire in a hostel in Dublin last weekend and 12 children were rushed to hospital afterwards. It is a reminder to us of the responsibility we, as a nation, have towards those in our care. It has been reported in the UK that there are no sprinkler systems in any of its prisons, with the exception of one prison ship. I do not know what is the position in Ireland but the State has a responsibility to those in its prisons. Is Ireland in the same position as the UK? If so, will the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform come to the House to outline whether he will take steps in this regard to put our minds at rest?

Prisoners will only be allowed to smoke in prison cells from next Monday and, as a consequence, accidental fires could take place. A total of 670 malicious fires were started in prisons in Britain last year. I do not know the solution but the installation of sprinkler systems would be a step in the right direction. I hope the State has undertaken its responsibility in this area to avoid future catastrophes.