asked the Minister for Education when the new juvenile remand centre to replace the existing Marlborough House Institution will be opened.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Juvenile Remand Centre.
92.
St. Laurence's Centre Finglas was opened on Friday, 14th January, 1972.
93.
asked the Minister for Education if he will make a statement concerning the recent serious disturbances at the Marlborough House juvenile remand centre.
A disturbance occurred on the night of 2nd January, 1972, when a number of boys sought to create a riot. In the course of this disturbance one of the boys suffered a cut on the forehead for which he was treated in hospital but not detained.
In view of the public concern and disquiet about the continued use of Marlborough House can the Minister say when the new institution will be opened?
The new institution is open.
When will the boys be transferred?
Some of the boys have been transferred. It will be necessary to retain Marlborough House for a short period to deal with a very limited number of boys until the new building for the remand and assessment unit in Finglas and the new special school at Oberstown in replacement of Daingean Reformatory are available.
Would the Minister not agree that when institutions of this nature are closed down, or when people are transferred from them, there is a temptation on the part of the public authority to continue to use them on an interim basis for several years? Could he give some assurance that this place will be closed down completely?
This will not happen. It will be retained for a relatively short period only.