I fully support the Minister's concern for security in the matter and I recognise the reasons for his decision, but I would like to know if it is possible to make any provision in cases like this to assist the prisoners' relatives who may be unable, for financial reasons, to make such visits?

If the Deputy has something in mind I would be glad to examine it.

Has the Minister's Department got any funds at their disposal to assist genuinely necessitous cases of families visiting relations in prison?

I do not have any funds to do that but, on all occasions, as far as it is possible, and where there is no risk to security, families have been assisted.

Have they been assisted financially?

No.

That is what I was asking, have they been assisted financially?

They have not been assisted financially.

We recognise why prisoners have to be in particular locations but the hardship as a result of that should not be borne by the families of prisoners. I think all sides of the House would be happy to know that small sums of money would be provided to deal with cases of genuine necessity. Would the Minister look into this question?

I will examine that question.