Sir, - It was heartening and refreshing to read views of Dr Ian O'Donnell (Irish Times, October 30th) that look beyond the useless response of putting all who commit "crime" behind bars.
Over the many years we have visited people in prison we have become acutely aware that there are many in our 15 prisons who are much more in need of care than punishment. Prison staff have agreed with us that the intellectual and emotional level of some prisoners is not adult.
Our organisation has beaten a path to the health boards and other relevant authorities in an effort to secure residential placements appropriate to the special needs of these people. While officials in these areas recognise and admit that there is a huge need for further on-going residential facilities for adults with mild disability, we are told, to date, that no such facility exists.
Can our Government be creative and practical in responding effectively to this situation? - Yours, etc.,
From R. Kelly
Secretary, Ballybane Traveller Projects, Ballybane, Galway.