Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 2 May 1990

Vol. 398 No. 2

Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Finglas, (Dublin) Assessment Centre.

Tomás MacGiolla

Question:

14 Tomás Mac Giolla asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to the fact that St. Michael's Assessment Centre in Finglas, Dublin 11, has been unable to accept a number of young boys remanded to the centre; the number of places in the centre certified by her Department; the number of places available; the steps she is taking to ensure that there are suitable placements available for young boys remanded by the courts; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Mr. F. Fahey

My Department were approached recently by the De La Salle Order, who are running St. Michael's Assessment Centre on behalf of the Department, concerning the accommodation at the centre. It was indicated that, although the centre was registered as a place of detention for 28 young offenders in 1976, subsequent necessary alterations to the building and difficulties experienced in areas of control and management have resulted in a situation where the centre is currently incapable of coping with more than 20 boys. My Department have agreed to consider this problem as a matter of urgency.

The question of the overall provision for boys in our special schools would be a matter for the Interdepartmental Group on Administration of Justice. I am hopeful that the report of the group will be available at an early date.

Tomás Mac Giolla

I am glad that the Department have agreed to consider this problem but I wonder if the Minister realises how serious the problem is and how rapidly it is worsening. There is a need not only to extend St. Michael's Assessment Centre in Finglas but other such centres. Is the Minister aware that a similar problem exists in Galway where a centre had to turn young boys away——

An Ceann Comhairle

The question deals with St. Michael's Assessment Centre, Finglas, and we will not have an extension of that.

Tomás Mac Giolla

I am aware of that but the number of places available, certified by the Minister's Department, covers the country. Does the Minister understand the increasing nature of the problem? Will he treat it with greater urgency than has been the case up to now?

Mr. F. Fahey

It is accepted that a problem has existed for quite a number of years in regard to assessment and detention for young boys. However, I reject the assertion that there has been a major increase in the numbers needing this kind of treatment. Indeed, there has been a significant development in preventative measures through the provision of a considerable amount of extra accommodation for boys in this category, especially those who are homeless, as many of them are throughout the city, especially on the north side. We have given funding from our youth budget over the last two years to help run those centres. We accept that there is a problem and need for development in regard to assessment and detention of young boys. As I said, this question is being addressed by the interdepartmental group and I hope that recommendations will be forthcoming shortly on how this problem should be tackled.