asked the Minister for Justice the Government's policy regarding the continuation of Loughan House, County Cavan as it was originally opened on a temporary basis; the present figures regarding delinquency and the type of person convicted who would require accommodation in Loughan House; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Loughan House, County Cavan.
49.
Loughan House was brought into operation as an open place of detention in 1972 for male offenders neither less than 16 nor more than 23 years of age.
In 1978, as a temporary measure, the institution was used as a special school for 12 to 16 year olds who could not be detained elsewhere pending the construction, under the auspices of the Minister for Education, of a new special school — Trinity House, Lusk. This was opened in 1983 and Loughan House reverted to its former role, this time catering for offenders not less than 18 years of age.
It will be clear, therefore, that the use of Loughan House on a temporary basis related only to its role as a special school and, accordingly, it would not be correct to suggest that the present use of Loughan House was envisaged as being temporary.
Among the factors taken into account in selecting offenders for the institution are nature of offence, length of sentence already served and attitude in prison.
I am not sure what the Deputy has in mind in relation to figures for delinquency. Statistics relating to crime are contained in the Garda Commissioner's Annual Report on Crime.