On being shot by Martin Cahill: "I think it's fair to say it's not an experience to be recommended"
On suggestions inmates should get conjugal visits: "We're not [ running] a family planning clinic"
On the possible privatisation of the prison service: "You have to keep an open mind on these things"
On the introduction of a drug-free regime in prisons: "It'll be very difficult to get to a situation [ where] with your hands on your heart, you could say that there's absolutely no drug use in our prisons"
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On whether Ireland is becoming more violent: "There's been a lot of hype. Crime very often sells newspapers"