The recent daily reports by the Irish Prison Service on the prison population, who number approximately 4,000, indicate very serious overcrowding, particularly in the women's prisons, including Dóchas and the one in Limerick. They may be at a capacity of 125%. Similarly, the men's prisons, such as Mountjoy, are very close to capacity. Unfortunately, where individuals have to be imprisoned, perhaps they could be held in humane and decent conditions. I did not notice any significant increase in the prisons Vote in the overall justice Vote in the recent budget. Is this a matter the Government is prepared to take action on?

I have a detailed note on female prison overcrowding. Maybe I could send it across to the Deputy rather than read it out. The Government is aware of the issue. We are somewhat fortunate in this country in that our percentage of the population in prison compares very well with that in most other countries. That is the way we want it but there are some overcrowding issues. We are responding to those. I will send the Deputy a detailed note on it.