Mary Henry (Independent)

I add my voice to those who called for a debate on the report from UCD on our prison population. Perhaps we could combine that with a debate on the lack of access so many children have to psychologists at school, as Senator O'Toole mentioned, and the issue of access to child and adolescent psychiatrists. It is clear that poor educational attainment is a very important factor on the road to ending up in prison. The address of behavioural problems in children by such professionals might frequently have helped to keep people out of prison. I would like to have the two issues discussed in combination.

I support Senator Brian Hayes's call for the House to bring forward No. 13, the Enforcement of Court Orders (No. 2) Bill on the attachment of orders with regard to fines. The worst aspect of imprisoning people for fines offences is not that they go to prison but that they never serve the sentences. There is such pressure on places that they are in for perhaps three to five days — the most expensive days possible for taxpayers — and are then released, but they have no money to pay the next fine. It is utterly ridiculous. I do not know why this has continued for so long.

Will the Leader organise a debate when the House resumes on the coexistence of genetically modified crops with conventional and organic crops? It is an important issue for this country to address, particularly in view of our island status.