The Irish Penal Reform Trust released a report recently on conditions in Cork Prison. I am aware that the Government is to address the issue of Cork Prison and that contracts for a new prison or to refurbish Cork Prison have been signed. The trust's report highlights the fact that 58% of committals were for non-payment of fines. Recently we saw the inappropriate jailing of Margaretta D'Arcy and heard that Limerick Prison did not have the medical facilities to cope with her imprisonment.

That is a separate issue.

I hope the Tánaiste will call for her release. One of the issues that has arisen concerns a Bill that has been included in the legislative programme since Fine Gael and the Labour Party came to government, namely, the inspection of places of detention Bill. This Bill will give legislative effect to international conventions, put the Council of Europe inspection regime on a statutory footing and address a number of issues relating to prison visiting committees. Will the legislation be accelerated in order that conditions in our gaols can be raised to an appropriate standard for those who are interned and incarcerated?

The Government is proceeding with a new prison in Cork, something which is long overdue. I cannot indicate a date for publication of the inspection of places of detention Bill at this stage, but the Minister for Justice and Equality is working on the Bill. I know the Deputy has come to accept that the courts system and the administration of justice are separate from the political system.