asked the Minisster for Justice if his Department, in its review of the prison service and in particular of young offenders, has given thought to the possibility of establishing in Ireland a scheme similar to that operating in England under the Radleigh Trust by which juvenile offenders are given a course of physical and personal training designed to improve their adaptability to society and to other individuals; if not, whether he will initiate or investigate how such a scheme might best be operated in Ireland; and if he will make a statement in detail on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Rehabilitation of Juvenile Offenders.
25.
I have had inquiries made in this matter and have been informed that there is no such scheme, as described by the Deputy, in operation under the Radleigh Trust.
My information is that the Radleigh Trust is a family charitable trust not concerned in any special way with the treatment of offenders, though it does on occasion give some financial assistance to organisations engaged in the rehabilitation of prisoners.
There are schemes of various kinds, some involving financial assistance from the State, already in operation here for the rehabilitation of offenders. Apart from measures operated directly by my Department for the rehabilitation of juvenile offenders—such as the provision of welfare officers, temporary release for employment and so on— there are schemes of various kinds operated by various voluntary bodies with the same object in view. Some of these bodies receive financial assistance from public funds.