Sir, It is quite hypocritical for Opposition deputies to condemn the current practice of early releases from our prisons. This has been a common feature for many years. The present spate of criticisms stink of political opportunism. Unfortunately, it is only when in opposition that the politicians in Dail Eireann appear to know how to solve the many problems that beset this country.
The crisis in our prisons is not something new. The drugs problem did not happen overnight. A whole generation is being lost through the misuse of drugs, yet our politicians prevaricate instead of coming together to help in finding a way to solve the problem.
This is not the time for them to be point scoring off one another. People demand that criminals, especially those responsible for the drugs explosion among our youth, be dealt with. Instead of negative criticisms and nit picking, there should be a unified approach to a problem that poses as serious a threat to the security of this State as any paramilitary group.
People are queuing up to advise Ruairi Quinn on how to reduce the tax burden, thereby making people better off. This is, I believe, a sop to the electorate. More important than tax reduction is the ability of the State to protect its citizens.
We have the farcical situation in our country whereby hardened, vicious and dangerous criminals bare free to roam our streets, wrecking further havoc on the community, all because there is, no room in the prisons. If it was not so serious, it might be funny. Judges, in their wisdom, are handing down lengthy custodial sentences on those who they believe pose a threat to society. Lack of sufficient prison places means that many only serve a tiny portion of their sentences.
I am calling on Minister Quinn to make the money available immediately to open the facility in Castlerea. Further, I am calling on the Government to give the whole question of law and order the attention it requires. The present situation makes a mockery of the judicial system. Yours, etc., PC, MCC, Seomra an Chomhairle, PO Box 4122, Town Centre, Tallaght, Dublin 24.