Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 26 Apr 1933

Vol. 47 No. 1

Application for Private Bill. - Vote 50—Reformatory and Industrial Schools.

Mr. Derrig

I move:—

Go ndeontar suim ná raghaidh thar £58,866 chun slánuithe na suime is gá chun íoctha an Mhuirir a thiocfaidh chun bheith iníoctha i rith na bliana dar críoch an 31adh lá de Mhárta, 1934, chun Costaisí mar gheall ar Scoileanna Ceartúcháin agus Saothair, maraon le hAiteanna Coinneála (8 Edw. VII, c. 67; Uimh. 17 de 1926; Uimh. 24 de 1929).

That a sum not exceeding £58,866 be granted to complete the sum necessary to defray the Charge which will come in course of payment during the year ending on the 31st day of March, 1934, for expenses of Reformatory and Industrial Schools, including Places of Detention (8 Edw. VII, c. 67; No. 17 of 1926; No. 24 of 1929).

Mr. McGilligan

This is a different matter and will have to be discussed.

Mr. Derrig

I dealt with it in my opening statement. The expenditure is more or less at the same level. I do not think any special point arose. In reply to Deputy Dillon I made some reference to the position of industrial schools, and our attitude towards the committal of children. As regards the curricula of the schools, we have brought about improvements recently, whereby more attention is given to the teaching of ordinary school subjects to the younger children. We have succeeded in making definite improvements in that connection. It was suggested that a commission should be set up to go into the whole question of industrial and reformatory schools. I think I can tell the House definitely that the result of that commission would be to impose heavy liabilities on the State, because, in fact, the managers of the schools are not able to pay the expenses out of what they get from the State and from the local authorities, at the present time. In fact, they are not paid, and one of the first results, I feel, would be to ask the State to make further very heavy contributions to the maintenance of these schools, or to take them over altogether.

Mr. McGilligan

I understand there are some points to be raised on this Vote. I have none myself.

Progress reported, the Committee to sit again to-morrow.