Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)

As regards the inspectorate, the Minister might consider giving visiting committees some role in consultation with the officer appointed. Perhaps the chairman of the committee could meet with the officer annually to discuss any issues arising. A requirement could be made that he or she would consult and meet the visiting committees on an informal basis.

Christmas is a special time. While I know it causes tremendous hurt for the families of the victims of crime, humanitarian leave for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and St. Stephen's Day should be given to prisoners where possible. As a family man, I know the Minister will look at this. This leave should be granted with rules attached specifying that prisoners cannot leave their home or socialise outside it as that can cause difficulties. I know there is a good regime in the Prison Service that grants leave where it can. Were something to happen while a prisoner was on leave, the Minister would be blamed. However, there is nothing better for the rehabilitation of prisoners than giving them experience of family life. There is nothing worse than being away from one's loved ones. For children's sake particularly, I appeal to the Minister to go as far as he can in granting compassionate leave. In individual cases I am prepared to contact governors. However, I am selective in the type of cases I become involved in. Every public representative must be careful in this regard.

Where prisoners seek day release, they should be allowed to pay for it where they have the money. Some prisoners are quite wealthy and I am happy to see this provision included in the Bill. I also want to see the skills of prisoners utilised in a productive way. Prisoners were engaged in hard labour or sewing bags in the past. When I visited Mountjoy Prison, some of the prisoners were making stands for the Special Olympics.

I must conclude now. I am glad of the opportunity to contribute to this Bill.