Dan Boyle (Green Party)

Several Senators raised the issue of prison policy. Senators Healy Eames, Bacik, Ormonde, Hannigan and Mullen referred to the Amnesty report which could be a good basis for a debate. I agree with the views of Senators who spoke about the need to look at non-custodial sentences. I do not believe the value of a society can be measured by the number of people it locks up. It would be helpful to have such a debate.

In regard to decisions on Thornton Hall, the House should probably welcome the fact the Central Mental Hospital will not now be part of that development and there will no longer be a link between a mental health facility and a prison.