asked the Minister for Justice whether it is proposed to increase the staff in Saint Patrick's Institution, Dublin to cope with the increased number of youths detained there; if so, when; and to what extent.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - St. Patrick's Institution.
29.
The present authorised establishment of St. Patrick's Institution is 64 officers. This number is considered sufficient for the administration of the institution.
Am I to understand that it is not proposed to increase this number of officers when in fact the number of boys is to be increased by 60?
There is a sufficient number of officers for those there at the moment. It is not intended to increase the number of people there. Other premises are under consideration.
Is there not some ratio maintained between the number of officers and the number of inmates in any institution of that kind? If there is such a ratio, will it not be departed from when the population of the institution is increased? I have been informed it is to be increased by 60.
The complement of the institution is approximately 204 and the average number there is about 180. I am satisfied that the 64 officers are sufficient to cater for the institution, even with the full complement.
30.
asked the Minister for Justice the number of youths in Saint Patrick's Institution on the first day of each of the last six months; and the number of youths released from the institution in the last six months prior to their normal date of release because of overcrowding in the institution.
The number of youths in St. Patrick's Institution on the first day of each of the months from October, 1967, to March, 1968, were 188, 190, 159, 189 and 194. There were no discharges from the institution on the grounds of overcrowding.
Can the Minister say why it is that a very large number of inmates were recently released long before their normal time for release?
I understand they were released as part of a general rehabilitation scheme. They are released under certain specific conditions and under certain supervision. This is part of the normal practice in the institution.
Is the Minister aware that an increasing percentage of those youths are now returned to the institution and that the very great record which St. Patrick's Institution once had of a very small number being returned has been tarnished? Apparently the intention is to release them before they are suitable for release.
On the information before me, I cannot accept the Deputy's suggestion. I do not want to be definite about this, but I have no information before me that would indicate that the Deputy's suggestion is correct.
31.
asked the Minister for Justice if he will state, with reference to a reply of 27th March last concerning Saint Patrick's Institution, where additional accommodation for about 60 youths will be provided; whether buildings formerly used for other purposes will be adapted; the total cost of providing such accommodation; and when he expects the new accommodation will be occupied.
Negotiations for the acquisition of premises in the vicinity of the metropolis have not yet concluded and it would be inadvisable to give further particulars at the moment.
Am I to understand that the new accommodation will not be in the Mountjoy area but will in fact be in some entirely separate building in some other part of the metropolis?
That is not what I have indicated.