David Cullinane (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for his response. I do not want to sound pedantic. That was certainly not our intention when tabling the amendments. It may seem pedantic when one tables an amendment about one word but one word can make a huge difference, as it does in this case. I do not want to delay the passage of the legislation so I will not repeat the arguments in favour of the amendments.

I mentioned the conclusion reached by the UN Human Rights Committee which stated that Ireland "should establish a concrete timeline for the achievement of complete separation of remand and sentenced prisoners, juvenile and adult prisoners, and detained immigrants and sentenced prisoners". Perhaps the Minister would outline what moves the Government is making in that direction. Is there a timeline? He mentioned what would happen if he accepted the amendment and that it may not be possible to have complete separation because of resources. Are we moving in the direction the UN Human Rights Committee has advocated? Are we looking at a timeframe? It would be helpful to my party and the House if the Minister was in a position to give us that information.