asked the Minister for Justice whether he will establish a commission to report on and make recommendations in relation to the administration of the Borstal system in Eire.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Administration of Borstal System.
I do not think that the appointment of a commission would be a really useful step at the moment, but I shall bear the suggestion in mind.
The chief defect in the administration of the Borstal system here is the absence of suitable premises, and, above all, the absence of any land for recreation and agricultural training. Efforts have been made to obtain suitable premises, but these efforts have been unsuccessful up to the present.
Has the Minister taken steps to inform himself as to the conditions obtaining in the Borstal institute in Northern Ireland and the Borstal institutes in Great Britain? If he has, how can he say that the only reform requisite in this State is superior premises, inasmuch as what masquerades as a Borstal system here is simply a juvenile prison?
Speaking of masquerading, when does a uniform become a suit?
Mr. Boland
I have information about the system in Northern Ireland and in England. I do not know whether the Northern Ireland system would be entirely suitable. That remains to be seen. I do not know that, if we were to change our system, we would adopt it.
Does not that very doubt in the Minister's mind suggest that there should be some inquiry with a view to ensuring that when the Minister does get suitable premises, we will do a complete job and not shift the present inequitable system from rotten premises into superior premises.
Mr. Boland
As I say, at the moment I am not satisfied that we want the premises, but I will bear the Deputy's suggestion in mind.