Barry Andrews (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)

I thank Senators for their contributions. I know they have been through this matter before and are probably tired debating it. There are two elements to this debate — the physical infrastructure of the prison and how it will affect locals and our general prisons policy.

Senator Quinn referred to the issues influencing sentencing. He did not refer to the restorative element of sentencing, that is putting the victim of crime back into the position they were before the crime occurred. That was central to points made by other Senators. They were concerned there was no focus on the restorative and rehabilitation elements of sentencing policy. A commission on restorative justice has been established. The Government's policy is to seek other types of sentences, in particular non-custodial types.

As Senator Bacik rightly pointed out, the majority of sentences are short-term ones. There is a reasonably good base upon which to build a strong rehabilitation structure.

Senator Regan referred to integrated sentence management, which is part of the national development plan for dealing with prisoners. In the next session, I hope to introduce the spent convictions Bill to encourage rehabilitation and encourage prisoners to move out of recidivism. Recidivism rates are high. The organisation, Business in the Community, does much work in helping ex-prisoners to find employment, re-integrate into society and avoid a cycle of re-offending.

The Minister of State at the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Deputy Conor Lenihan, believes it would be a good idea for the local residents to consider the name for the prison. Senator O'Toole asked if he sounded reasonable; he always does to me. It would be reasonable to allow the local residents to determine the name of the prison.