asked the Minister for Education if he will outline in detail all aspects of the closing of Artane school especially in relation to the dispersal of the boys to other centres; and whether any provision has been made for maintaining contact between many of the boys and those people who have been acting as godparents to them, having them on visitation to their homes on a regular basis and bringing them on holidays.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Closing of Artane School.
122.
When notification was received of the intention to close Artane school on 30th June, 1969, my Department, in association with the resident manager of the school, sought to make alternative arrangements for the boys under detention. Applications for release from parents or relatives were returned to their families. Some circumstances had improved or where the terms of committal were such as to were investigated and where the home allow no other course, these children boys were sent to godparents, who had requested this step, and others were placed in employment. At the end of June the Christian Brothers advised my Department that they would retain a limited number of boys in Artane until the completion of their period of committal in order to continue their education; the remainder were transferred to other schools. In these latter cases school managers are keeping in touch with godparents and the boys will be sent to them on holidays where so desired.
The breakdown figures are as follows:—
|
Discharged to parents or guardians |
50 |
|
Released on supervision certificate to godparents |
13 |
|
Placed in Army School of Music |
3 |
|
Placed in employment |
18 |
|
Transferred to other schools |
55 |
|
Remaining in Artane |
35 |
|
Total |
174 |
Can the Minister say is he making, or is it his responsibility to make, any alternative accommodation of this kind available in the city area? Will it be replaced by alternative accommodation?
In view of the terms of my reply, it is unlikely that alternative accommodation will be needed.