I propose to take Questions Nos. 12, 32, 35, 55, 57, 64, 71, 87, 88 and 94 together.
Arrangements are currently being made to relocate the remand and assessment centre for girls known as Cuan Mhuire from its present location in Whitehall, Dublin 9, to Oberstown, Lusk, County Dublin. This relocation becomes necessary because of the expiry of the lease under which the Department held the Whitehall property from the order of nuns who own it.
Refurbishing works are being carried out at the proposed new location and are expected to be completed in February 1990 at which time the transfer will take place.
The same services for remand and assessment will continue to be provided at Oberstown as have hitherto been available at Whitehall. The provision being made at the new location includes a special facility in which two girls could be accommodated, should this prove necessary, for longer than the usual remand and assessment period of three weeks.
At the same time the need for a secure unit for longer-term girl offenders has been referred to the Department of Justice for urgent consideration by a high-level interdepartmental group, currently considering all aspects of detention of offenders. Inter alia, they are discussing this matter.