asked the Minister for Justice whether it is proposed to close down St. Patrick's Borstal Institution, Clonmel, and, if so, why; further, (a) where it is proposed to transfer the present inmates, (b) where it is proposed to transfer the existing officials, and (c) whether he proposes to compensate the officials in respect of the financial loss which will be incurred by them as a result of being transferred.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Clonmel Borstal Institution.
There has been no decision to close St. Patrick's but the number of committals is so small that it is becoming increasingly difficult to justify the expense of keeping it open, the more so as it is practically impossible, under present conditions, to give the inmates the sort of training that they ought to have with a view to their rehabilitation. My Department is studying the position so as to determine what is best to be done.