Too few prison spaces - Justice system is challenged

THOUGH the Garda Representative Association has an agenda of its own, we would be very foolish not to take notice when it warns that our justice system is breaking down.

Yesterday they warned that because we have far more convicted criminals than prison places, our courts, the guards and the ideas of justice and social protection are being undermined.

They warn that, on occasion, as many as one-in-four of those who should be behind bars are not. This means that the decisions handed down by courts are not being carried out; that great and often dangerous police work needed to secure a conviction achieves very little.

There are many layers to the prison debate but there can be only one priority — the protection of the vast majority of citizens from criminals. The GRA’s warnings should be taken seriously and acted upon.