asked the Minister for Justice if he will take steps to utilise fully the facilities for young offenders at Shanganagh Castle, County Dublin.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Shanganagh Castle Institution.
1.
I assume that what the Deputy has in mind when referring to utilising fully the facilities of Shanganagh Castle is that the institution should be kept filled to capacity. The successful operation of the open centres depends on the careful selection for accommodation in them of persons who are likely to be suitable for an open régime.
So far this year 143 boys have passed through Shanganagh Castle. At present the population there is 38 and the maximum number who could be accommodated there without strain is 45. The corresponding figures for the other open centre for juveniles, Loughan House, are 117, 28 and about 45.