Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister to the House. All legal practitioners, as well as those involved in law reform, human rights and children's rights will welcome this Bill which facilitates the complete closure of St. Patrick's Institution. I was justice spokesperson for my party back in 2004 when this House debated the report of the inspector of prisons, who was Mr. Justice Kinlen at the time. He referred to St. Patrick's Institution as a school for bullying and the development of criminal skills.I was struck by that statement and it has remained with me. It was also the reason I called for the closure of St. Patrick's Institution in 2004. I am very glad the day of its closure is near at hand. The Minister is to be commended on progressing this issue, which is close to the hearts of many of those involved in law reform and the legal system.

Senators spoke about tackling recidivism. It is very important to address this issue, along with the need for greater rehabilitation. The former Deputy Jim O'Keeffe produced a paper on restorative justice, an issue raised by Senator Quinn. This is a laudable approach that must be taken on board by members of the public, who must want restorative justice if it is to work. I am aware that a pilot project in this area had good results.

Senator Bacik referred to the imprisonment of people for failure to pay small fines imposed for not having a television licence and so forth. This practice never ceases to amaze me. People who cannot or will not pay fines should have the amounts deducted from their social welfare payments or salaries. The courts should not be involved in the process once a fine has been imposed. It should be deducted from people who fail or refuse to pay it. Many judges have indicated they would be willing to work out a system for achieving this. It should be done automatically. The Government has spoken about this option for some time and while some action has been taken on the issue, the Government should go the whole way and have fines automatically deducted from social welfare payments and salaries.

As I stated, this is a good day in respect of St. Patrick's Institution. I welcome the significant expenditure on the Oberstown centre, which I hope will provide a secure environment for young persons in future and offer them with a second chance to play a productive role in society. I commend the Bill to the House.