Last year was the "Year of "the Criminal" during which the Government sent a message to offenders that "we are soft on crime", according to Fianna Fail TD, Mr Ivor Callely.
Larcenies, violent robberies, burglaries, murders and vicious attacks were now part and parcel of each community in society due to the "sad and inadequate efforts" of the Government, he said.
Drug misuse and drug-related crime was now out of control. There had been a massive increase in the number of syringe attacks.
The annual accommodation bill for each prisoner of £46,500 represented a "holiday camp approach" by the Government, said Mr Callely.