Rónán Mullen (Independent)

However, I wished to raise the issue of early prisoner releases today. Members should support the Government's initiative to arrange for the early release of 1,200 prisoners over the coming years. This is not a move that should be allowed to excite any hysteria and provided decisions are made in the appropriate fashion, it is to be welcomed. I also note the Prison Service is earmarking the next 40 months as a period in which in-cell sanitation will be rolled out in all prisons. Something tells me there is a horrible pun in there somewhere but a move towards having a humane prison service is long overdue, as is placing the emphasis on rehabilitation. This measure provides the opportunity to so do, while also relieving the issue of overcrowding. One should hope this does not simply constitute a release of prisoners but is the genuine reform of the prison system promised by the Minister.