Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 14 Dec 1988

Vol. 385 No. 7

Written Answers. - Juvenile Offenders.

34.

Mr. P. O'Malley

asked the Minister for Justice if he will make public the findings of the inter-Departmental review on the operation of Cuan Mhuire Assessment Centre for female offenders under the age of 17 which is registered by him for the purpose of Part 5 of the Children's Act, 1908; if he will make a statement on the findings of that review; and if he has satisfied himself with the numbers of places available for the detention of juvenile offenders both male and female, whether operated under the aegis of his Department or the Department of Education.

50.

Mr. Sherlock

asked the Minister for Justice the plans he has for the provision of a secure place of detention for young female offenders; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Justice (Mr. Collins)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 34 and 50 together.

The question of providing a secure facility of the type mentioned by Deputy Sherlock was considered by the committee referred to by Deputy O'Malley which was representative of my Department (including the Probation and Welfare Service), of the Department of Education and of the Garda Síochána. Representatives of the Department of Health also participated in the work of the committee. The committee — whose report was not prepared with the intention of publication — recommended that a facility of this type be made available for a small number of female offenders and that it be established and managed by the Department of Education. This recommendation is now under consideration by the Department of Education.

As I indicated in my reply to Question No. 26 of 15 November 1988 I am not aware that difficulties have arisen in placing young people in custody in the facilities for male young offenders aged over 16 years and young female offenders aged over 17 years, for the operation of which my Department has responsibility.