Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)

The outgoing governor of Mountjoy Prison, Mr. John Lonergan, is on record as saying his one regret is that he did not refuse to accept new prisoners when Mountjoy Prison was full. The only solution the Government has to overcrowding is to release prisoners early. That seems to be what it is doing. Up to one in four prisoners was released prematurely in the past year or so. This has dreadful consequences for victims, society and the Garda Síochána. The system of justice is breaking down. Prison overcrowding will have to be addressed properly. Senator Bacik and I have asked on numerous occasions in the past two or three terms for a debate on the issue. I again ask the Leader to accede to this request and have the Minister for Justice and Law Reform come to the House to discuss the issue which is causing stress among gardaí and victims of crime. People who are given a prison sentence repeatedly commit crimes when on temporary release, which is causing havoc in the system. The problem must be addressed. We were told when Deputy John O'Donoghue was Minister that there would be a system of zero tolerance. The revolving door is revolving all the time. It is worse than it ever was and the problem will have to be addressed. I ask that the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform come in to the House and specifically deal with this subject.