Rónán Mullen (Independent)

Last week the Minister for Justice and Law Reform told us that a very small percentage of inmates in prisons were there for non-payment of fines, but it appears now that prisoners being jailed by the courts for non-payment of fines have had their fines waived on arrival at the prison gates and have been released immediately as part of new procedures. It is said that at least 200 inmates had been released immediately under that system but the true figure could be much higher. That sheds light on the reason so few are in prison but it also sheds a light on a serious problem in the way our prison system is functioning. It also sheds light on the conduct of debates in this House, and I hope the Minister will address that issue when he is back in this Chamber for the continuation of that debate.

I also wonder whether going forward, if Members will pardon the expression, we would do better if speeches to be made by Ministers were circulated in advance to allow Seanadóirí consider what they will hear in the House, do the necessary research and be able to respond in a more informed way. Far too often the Minister makes a speech in this House, Members make their contributions and there is some kind of general response to what has been said rather than the more considered interrogation and exchange this House would warrant and expect.