Michael Mullins (Fine Gael)

I support my colleague Senator Conway in his call for a debate on rural policing. It would be very wrong to judge the quality of our policing throughout the country by the number of buildings we have. Senators know well that the proliferation of Garda stations around the country date from an era when policing was done by bicycle. We have moved on from that and we need to consider our policing system overall. A debate in this House would be appropriate.

I also ask the Leader to organise a debate with the Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Shatter, on his recently announced early release programme for low-risk prisoners. Over the past 24 hours there has been a lot of scaremongering, but many legitimate fears have been expressed as well. It would be good for the general public if we had a comprehensive discussion on this issue. We want to ensure vulnerable people do not feel less secure in their homes, and do not feel worried or concerned, as a result of this progressive action. The Minister has taken some brave initiatives, and it would be appropriate that he come to the House for a forthright discussion on the rationale for and logistics of this programme. Some of the commentary in the last couple of days has been over the top, and it is only right that we set the record straight and have a measured debate in this House.