Dáil Éireann debate -
Friday, 25 Feb 1927

Vol. 18 No. 10

IN COMMITTEE ON FINANCE ESTIMATES FOR PUBLIC SERVICES. - VOTE 50—REFORMATORY AND INDUSTRIAL SCHOOLS.

Mr. BLYTHE

I move:—

Go ndeontar Suim Bhreise ná raghaidh thar Chéad Púnt chun íoctha an Mhuirir a thiocfidh chun bheith iníoctha i rith na bliana dar críoch an 31adh lá de Mhárta, 1927, chun Costaisí mar gheall ar Scoileanna Ceartúcháin agus Saothair maraon le hAiteanna Coinneála (Children Act, 1908).

That a Supplementary Sum not exceeding One Hundred Pounds (£100) be granted to defray the Charge which will come in course of payment during the year ending on the 31st day of March, 1927. for expenses of Reformatory and Industrial Schools, including Places of Detention (Children Act, 1908).

MINISTER for EDUCATION (Professor O'Sullivan)

The position, so far as this Supplementary Vote is concerned is as follows: Possibly owing to the more peaceful times in which we are living in comparison with the state of affairs that previously prevailed, there have been more committals to industrial schools than we anticipated, with the result that the actual cost to the State for the maintenance of those who had been committed has gone up by £1,300, but there has been a decrease in the amount paid to reformatories for committals of £300 and an increase in the appropriations-in-aid, that is, the amount paid by the parents of those committed, of £900, making a total of £1,200 as a set-off, so that the net amount actually required is £100.

Mr. JOHNSON

I do not want to press the Minister now on this matter, but I would suggest that he should take advantage of the opportunity when the new Estimate comes forward to give the House some information as to the policy regarding industrial schools, and whether there has been any change in the administration, any new policy adopted regarding committals. I would also like him to compare the figures at the present time with the figures, say, pre-1916, perhaps even pre-war, within this area. I think it is important to have some information of that nature, because the whole question is an important one. I hope that there will be an increased interest in this question of industrial schools and the policy of committals, and, further, an interest in the kind of education and training that is given in them. I do not want to press the Minister at this hour, but I would like him to be prepared for a future discussion on this matter.

Vote put and agreed to.