asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to major gaps in the provision of secure facilities for juvenile girls; that a suburban shopping centre (details supplied) in Dublin 11 has been terrorised and harassed by two girls who are regularly before the courts and who are released because there is nowhere to deal with them; and the proposals, if any, she has to deal with this situation.
Written Answers. - Facilities for Juvenile Girl Offenders.
170.
At present, Cuan Mhuire Remand and Assessment Centre, Collins Avenue, Dublin 9, is a residential unit for girls referred by the courts. This unit, which opened in 1984, can accommodate up to ten girls in the age range ten to 16 and caters for both court and health board referrals. Girls normally spend three weeks there and are assessed during that period.
A study group was set up by the Minister for Justice in 1986 to consider the scope and type of facility necessary to deal adquately with the problem of young female offenders. The study group comprised representatives of the Departments of Justice and Education, and of the Garda Síochána. A report was submitted recently by this group and the implications for my Department are being considered at present.