asked the Minister for Justice if he intends to proceed with the plans to improve Irish prisons.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Prison Improvement Plans.
45.
The answer is "yes".
Will the Minister admit that the plan and the money had been provided for the improvement of the prisons?
I would not deny that, but extra plans and extra money will be provided to make up for the inadequacies which have been allowed to continue for too long.
The book of Estimates which has been published shows that the provision made for the coming year was that which was provided by the previous administration?
Yes.
It seems to me that I misread this question. I had hoped it would refer to the programme of penal reform. I would like the Minister to confirm that he is going to take an active interest in penal reform in Irish prisons.
I will take a very active interest in that and continue the good work already started in the Department and expand it.
Started by whom? By myself?
By my immediate predecessor.