asked the Minister for Education whether his attention has been directed to a statement that new arrangements are to be made for juveniles on remand, and that Marlborough House is to be closed; and whether he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Arrangements for Juveniles on Remand.
20.
My attention has been directed to the press report to which the Deputy refers. As I indicated in my statement to the House on this year's estimates for my Department (reported in columns 71-72 of the Official Report. vol. 174, No. 1) certain steps are being taken to have the Place of Detention at Marlborough House transferred to other premises and placed under the management of a religious community. Plans for these premises are being prepared and when established it is intended to provide a staff of trained teachers, including a specialist in psychology, and to include in the curriculum physical training and subjects of a practical nature, suited to the types and ages of the boys involved. The question of amending the Children Acts to make better provision for the proposed institution is also being examined. Details of this arrangement are still in process of being worked out and the Deputy will not, I am sure, expect me to be more explicit in regard to the matter for the present.
Will there be an occasion on which a full and explicit statement will be made? I would be anxious to share with the Taoiseach our rejoicings that this at last has resulted from his visit to Summerhill 25 years ago when I sent him there when he was Minister for Education.
Deputy Dillon could not prevail on his colleagues to do something about it?
We did. It has been a slow process—but, what matter, if we get it done in the end?