Vol. 470 No. 1
237 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Justice if her attention has been drawn to the public perception that the system has failed and the criminal is winning; if her attention has further been drawn to the fact that the public are aware that there are insufficient detention places for people convicted of criminal offences; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18344/96]
As the Deputy will be aware, I have, since becoming Minister instituted a number of anti-crime measures, both immediate and long-term. I am confident that these measures will prove effective in tackling crime. These measures include the recruitment of extra gardaí, increased civilianisation, the establishment of the Criminal Assets Bureau, an increase in the number of youth diversion projects, the strengthening of the Juvenile Liaison Officer Scheme and the expansion of the CCTV network. I have also introduced a number of Bills some of which have now become law.
The shortfall in prison places is being addressed by the extensive prisons building programme which I initiated and which is under way at present. Over 90 of these extra places will become available within the next two months at the Curragh and Castlerea. The major building projects at Wheatfield, Castlerea, Limerick and Cowley Place are progressing satisfactorily.
