John Minihan (Progressive Democrats)

On the other hand, the director of criminal justice at Civitas in the UK has said that prison surveys reveal that the average prisoner commits approximately 140 crimes per year. Imprisonment prevents that crime, along with reassuring victims and the public in general that something is being done to tackle crime. The basic point is that criminal justice is a complex policy area. Imprisonment has provoked and continues to provoke charged debate across many modern societies and Ireland is no different in this regard. In 2002 the Government made ambitious and appropriate commitments as regards prisons in Ireland and their operations. I am satisfied that these provisions relate closely to the substance of Mr. Justice Kinlen's 15 recommendations.

These refer, in the main, to the demolition of certain prisons, inspections, visits, probation staff, rehabilitation, publication of rules, literacy and administration. The Minister of State has clearly articulated that we live in a time of decision and change as regards the Prison Service and that this period should be positive and constructive. The objective is to modernise the fabric of the Prison Service, for conditions to improve greatly and time will be needed. It is an objective to which the Government and the Minister are committed. Mr. Justice Kinlen's report, of course, is part of that same process. It is a substantial document that deals with a broad range of issues.

Measures are already under way to address the most significant concerns as regards the conditions in prisons and places of detention. The Minister has set down two principal objectives in this area, namely, replacement of older prison accommodation, in particular at Mountjoy, Portlaoise and Cork and control of the spiralling prison overtime costs which absorb vast amounts of money. The House will be aware that the resources saved could be used more productively in providing for improved services for prisoners. Significant progress is being made as regards the replacement of Mountjoy and Portlaoise prisons as recommended in the report. Furthermore, good progress is being made on the development of a new prison on Spike Island to replace Cork Prison.

We must acknowledge that these are major undertakings, which together account for the replacement of almost 40% of the entire prison estate. Notwithstanding the intentions of the Independent group's motion, we must accept that this process will take a number of years.

With regard to overtime payments, we must commend the improvements which have taken place in making more of the prison Vote available to prison services. The shortage of psychologists, as identified by Mr. Justice Kinlen, has been addressed by the recruitment of six additional psychologists to improve services. This is but one example of resources being directed. A further new psychologist took up duty last month and another recruitment competition for clinical, forensic and counselling psychologists is planned later this year.

With regard to a comprehensive new Act covering all matters relating to prisons, the Minister has indicated it is unavoidable that it will be some time before such comprehensive legislation is completed. Mr. Justice Kinlen referred to the provision of a booklet on prison rules. I commend the Minister on his decision to replace the 50 year old prison rules and welcome the publication today of new draft rules.

I have set out the complexity of the challenge facing us regarding the prison sector. The Government has made ambitious commitments and is making good progress. On the specifics of the second report of the Inspector of Prisons, although the size of the task must not be underplayed, nor should the Minister's dedication to address the key issues of prisoners' conditions and the need to free up resources to continue to improve the prison sector. In this context, I support the amendment.