asked the Minister for Justice the number of released prisoners from each of the State's ten prisons since 1969 who had no homes to go to, or were not wanted at home on release i.e., who were virtually homeless; the number of such prisoners from each of the State's prisons who were (a) found accommodation by the prison welfare service, (b) assisted in finding accommodation by the prison welfare service, and (c) given financial assistance in finding accommodation.

Statistics in relation to the number of released prisoners who had no homes to go to or who were not wanted at home on release have not been kept.

In 1977 close to 200 persons were assisted in finding accommodation on release from the prisons and places of detention. In some cases the accommodation was in hostels which are maintained in part from funds made available by my Department.

Most persons are paid a gratuity while in a prison or place of detention. A portion of this gratuity is retained by the prison authorities and paid to the prisoner when he is released. A number of voluntary organisations exist which help persons after their release. Some of these organisations receive grants from the State.

A person released from custody has, of course, the same entitlement to social welfare benefits as any other person.

Would the Minister not agree that imprisonment and discharge from imprisonment, usually to an alien and hostile world, is a particularly traumatising experience for the individual and it is at that time that he needs support in a home? In order to try to reduce the recidivist rate, the Minister should see that these people are properly looked after and placed in suitable homes.

I agree that we have a very special responsibility in helping these people. I am prepared to inquire into the aspects which the Deputy has raised. If I can improve the situation I am prepared to do all I can.