The principal matter that I call attention to on this Vote is that for some time past there has been before us the not altogether satisfactory financial position of these reformatories. I think, on the whole, there is hardly justification for two reformatories at present, and the question has arisen, therefore, as to how that particular matter could be dealt with. The two principal reformatories that I am referring to are the reformatory at Glencree and the reformatory at Dangan, Philipstown, in Offaly. There were considerations of various kinds for the closing of the one or the other. Of course these reformatories are, to a large extent, in private hands. The State simply gives a certain contribution—a kind of capitation grant: so does the local authority. Though the duty is largely on the local authority of providing places of detention for youthful offenders, in recent years most of the local authorities have not been very eager to, shall I call it, meet their obligations in this particular respect. Consequently, there has been some financial stringency in connection with reformatories. There are many reasons, when this question comes up for ultimate decision, that might be urged in favour of keeping on what might be called the Glencree reformatory rather than that of Dangan. One is the comparative nearness of Glencree to the city of Dublin. Another is that the boys there are within measurable distance of their parents who on holidays can go out to visit them. That is a facility of which they can avail. The same consideration would not apply so readily to such a distant place as Dangan. Glencree is near Dublin, and Dublin because of its size supplies the largest number to these reformatories. We may later on have to refer to this question of the Vote for these particular reformatories.
