Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)

I join Senator Dearey in complimenting the Garda on its recent arms find near Dunleer. I also compliment it on its efforts in curbing the activities of these dissident republicans. They will need to be rooted out and we should support the Garda in that effort.

Department of Justice and Law Reform figures indicate that more than 400 convicted criminals are at large at present. They include persons convicted of attempted murder, sexual assault and weapons charges. According to the figures from the Department, 161 were convicted of theft, 50 of attempted murder, assault and harassment, 32 of organised crime offences and 31 of weapons and explosives charges. These are dreadful figures. The Minister's prison system is dysfunctional when one looks at the number of convicted criminals at large. Senator Bacik and I have been asking for a debate on prisons for over 12 months-----