Catherine Ardagh (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The second issue I wish to raise is the stabbing of a drug dealer in the face with a shiv - a makeshift knife - in Mountjoy Prison. I condemn this attack on Mr. Alan White. It might be time for us to contemplate opening a discussion on a replacement prison for Mountjoy Prison which in its current form is not fit for purpose. The Thornton Hall project was aborted during the economic downturn. I call on the Minister for Justice and Equality to set up a review group to consider a replacement prison for Mountjoy Prison or an upgrade of that facility.

I also condemn the attack in St. Petersburg, as well as the chemical attack in Syria. I commiserate with the families of the victims of both attacks. Violent extremism and breaches of international law must be confronted head-on. Loss of life on this scale is a crime against humanity. We cannot sit back and accept it.