asked the Minister for Justice the steps he has taken to implement the recommendation of the visiting committee of Shanganagh Castle open prison, County Dublin; and the number of juveniles held there at present.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Shanganagh Castle Open Prison.
53.
I am not sure what precisely the Deputy is referring to in the first part of the question. I assume that he is referring to three matters mentioned by the committee in their report for 1975. The text of the relevant part of the report is as follows:—
Among matters which it is felt still need to be resolved are:
(1) Lack of educational facilities in the long vacation (which it is understood is presently being examined by the Co-ordinator of Education).
(2) Absence of "follow-up" on boys leaving Shanganagh at the conclusion of their sentence (it is understood that the Constitution of the State prevents this being done, and when a new Constitution is being drawn up it is hoped that the Legislators will bear this in mind).
(3) The appointment of members of Visiting Committees as at present carried out results in an absence of such Committees for a period of approximately three months each year.
The first matter raised is still under discussion with the various interests involved in providing education and a complete new structure is being negotiated at present, which inter alia, will, it is hoped, allow for an eleven-month educational programme.
In the case of the second matter raised, the visiting committee themselves draw attention to the very serious issues raised by any proposal to subject persons to supervision once they have completed the sentence imposed on them by the courts.
I dealt with the third matter raised in the reply to another question from the Deputy on today's Order Paper.
As regards the second part of the question there are 38 young offenders in custody at Shanganagh Castle at present.
The remaining questions will appear on next Tuesday's Order Paper.