Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)

I thank the Minister for accepting several amendments from this side of the House during the discussion on the passage of the Bill through the House.

I compliment the Minister's officials who have done a tremendous job of work on this Bill. I hope that when enacted, the Bill will realise the wish of the House to have in place an excellent prison service in which the punishment fits the crime and is seen to do so.

The Minister referred to the subject of rehabilitation within prison and this is badly needed. I have spoken on this topic in my contributions on the Stages of the Bill. There must be proper rehabilitation within the service and until this is in place, the other measures will not be successful. The carrot and stick method must be used. I urge the Minister to ensure rehabilitative measures are put in place and improved upon.