Cyprian Brady (Fianna Fail)

I welcome the Minister to the House and welcome the publication of the Bill, which, as Senator Kett noted, has been awaited for some time in our area. I welcome the proposed contracting out of prisoner escorts. Anyone who has visited the accident and emergency unit in the Mater Hospital will know that prisoners being escorted in and out of the hospital in handcuffs and chains are a regular sight. This can be quite intimidating for members of the public, particularly children. I welcome the savings that will accrue from this change, which I hope will come into operation.

It is in everybody's interest, including that of prisoners, that video conferencing is introduced because it will provide a clear record. I realise that certain questions remain as to its legality but it will certainly be in the interests of the courts, lawyers in particular, because it will save much time and energy which is wasted at present. With the courts and prisons in close proximity in my area, droves of prison officers and gardaí are regularly seen travelling to and from the courts when they could be on other duties. It is a serious waste of Garda time but it also takes two or three prison officers to escort one prisoner for what might be a ten-minute or a full day hearing. Video conferencing is to be greatly welcomed.

I remember the first time I visited Mountjoy Prison. The atmosphere made it the most intimidating place in which I had ever been. All Members will agree that it was a good idea when it was built in the 1800s. Unfortunately, it has not kept up with the times. Prisoners are still slopping out and padded cells continue to be in use.

Whatever about the prison's historical element, for many Dublin people it has a sentimental value. Most mornings I meet a man in Drumcondra who tells me about his cousin who is buried in Mountjoy and what he had done in the Rising and the Civil War. However, there are others who will be glad to see the back of it, including its clients. The transfer can be achieved if it is handled sensitively and planned properly.

Hangman's house has a particular historical significance. Yet many who remember it are passing on and the connections are being lost. In Dublin, there is a strong tradition of handing down stories and family history. As Senator Kett said, Mountjoy Prison plays a large part in the Dublin Central constituency, whether it is through local business, staff using local facilities, vans coming and going or people who attend our clinics visiting relatives there.

I have visited Mountjoy Prison many times and have several friends on the staff. The work done there is exceptional but much of it goes unrecognised. For example, through the training unit, the inmates supply the children in Temple Street Hospital and others with top quality toys every Christmas. I had the pleasure of seeing a garden for senior citizens produced by the community working parties in a nursing home on the Navan Road. These are the activities we do not hear about. Many of the staff are dedicated to the welfare of their clients. It will be good if this can be maintained in the transfer of the prison. The ethos that has emerged in Mountjoy over the years under many governors, particularly Mr. Lonergan, must be maintained and nurtured.

I have met the St. Margaret's-Rolestown Action Group and I am aware of the legal and other issues about the proposed site. The group has valid concerns but, if it is dealt with sensitively, the site chosen will be ideal. Some consideration must be given to the location of the mental hospital on the site and the other facilities to be put on the prison campus. The immediate residents have some concerns but with proper and rational consultation these can be addressed.

We have been anticipating the Bill's publication. As Senator Kett said, it is of particular significance for those of us from the Dublin Central constituency. The Minister and his officials have put much work into properly framing the Bill. If it needs to be tweaked here and there, it can be done on Committee Stage. I wish it every success.