Mary White (Fianna Fail)

I wish to refer to the points made by my colleagues on the horror stories highlighted on the "Prime Time" programme last night. I could not believe that an exclusive apartment block in Ballsbridge was named, which I passed this morning on my way to Leinster House. I could not but think about the contrast between the patriots who died for our country 90 years ago and who are being celebrated for their courage, bravery and integrity and the Irish men who, on a daily basis, are using as sexual slaves tearful women from eastern Europe. I am in a state of shock and disbelief following what I saw last night. I could not believe this was happening in my country. One of the young girls said she was in tears all day but it did not appear to bother the predators who were abusing her. We cannot imagine the psychological impact it will have on these young women for the rest of their lives or how they will ever live a decent life.

Last week the Inspector of Irish Prisons and Places of Detention made a public statement about the conditions under which prisoners in Irish prisons are being kept. He said that the prisoners are being denied their basic rights and that proper measures to aid the rehabilitation of offenders, particularly young offenders, are not in place. We are aware that the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform and Mr. Justice Dermot Kinlen have had an acrimonious relationship. As I know Mr. Justice Kinlen personally, and I have had a number of meetings with him, I believe him and trust his judgment. It is about time we woke up to what is happening.