asked the Minister for Justice whether there is any special provision made for girl offenders, similar to the Borstal Institution for boys, and whether he contemplates making such provision in the near future.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - BORSTAL TREATMENT FOR GIRLS.
TOMAS MAC EOIN
No special provision has been made for girl offenders similar to the Borstal Institution for boys, and no such provision is contemplated. When girls between the ages of 16 and 21 are committed to prison they receive treatment on Borstal lines, but such committals are not so frequent as to justify the opening of a female Borstal Institution.
Does the Minister propose to take any steps to segregate girls of that age from other prisoners?
When I spoke of treatment on Borstal lines it was that I had in mind. They are segregated from other prisoners. They are taught light trades and get a certain amount of primary education, but there is not anything like a sufficient number of such committals to justify the opening of a separate Borstal institution.