Gerard Craughwell (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I am disappointed that we continue to engage in debates that are classed as statements. Surely we must have some work that we could be doing other than standing here. The House has long been accused of hot air, and statements do not do much to move anything forward. Legislation has been lying over since the previous Seanad, and we could probably examine it.

Yesterday morning I listened to the radio and, once again, heard the prison class - the perpetual prisoners who go through the revolving doors - talking about how they would not pay fines given that they knew they would be sent to Portlaoise or Mountjoy and could get a taxi home after having lunch, having been sentenced to three months in prison.We might, therefore, dedicate a little time with the relevant Minister to debate how we might find a solution to this outrageous problem. It is sickening for those who have had their houses broken into or been assaulted by the people concerned who are refusing to pay fines because they know that they will get three months in jail and be out in one hour. Surely we must be able to do something productive about this problem.