Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)

I move amendment No. 3:

In page 7, subsection (1), line 2, to delete "Government" and substitute "Oireachtas".

The effect of the amendment would be to ensure no contract for the privatisation of prison services would be entered into without the approval of the Houses of the Oireachtas. Such an important process should be subject to non-governmental scrutiny.

Amendments Nos. 5 to 11, inclusive, seek to put safeguards in place for private prison custody officers. I have grave concerns that those who might be appointed to this position could lose the run of themselves. We must be very cautious in framing the legislation where it outlines their statutory duties. It must be borne in mind that if they act outside the scope of constitutional or lawful behaviour, the State will ultimately be vicariously liable for their actions. These safeguards for the State must be carefully examined.