The matter of suitable residential care accommodation for female teenagers was brought to my attention a number of weeks ago in relation to one case but I have been aware of a number of such cases in my area. The case is causing grave concern to the various State agencies, particularly to the North Eastern Health Board. The matter came to a head last week when a girl, the subject of a number of criminal proceedings, was brought before the district justice in Dundalk, and because of the difficulties experienced by the interested State agencies and the district justice in passing sentence and implementing that sentence. It transpired that there was not suitable accommodation for this girl. Last Wednesday, because of the difficulties, the district justice saw fit to adjourn the case to the next day to Ardee District Court. In the meantime he ordered that the 15 year old girl be held in custody in Dundalk Garda station, a place which was not suitable for a young person, particularly a young girl.
There are five urgent cases in the Louth area, two in Dundalk and three in Drogheda. There are also two other cases equally serious in south Monaghan. The health board are involved in each of those cases and are worried about the well being of each of the young girls. The two girls from Dundalk are involved in crime. One is involved in quite serious crime in and around Dundalk. She is involved with a bad crowd older than herself. The health board, and people interested in her welfare, feel that if something is not done very quickly she could come to a very sorry end. She is involved in glue sniffing, petrol sniffing and alcohol abuse. The two girls from Dundalk are living rough. While initially their parents were not co-operative with the State agencies, they now fully appreciate the difficulties in which their respective daughters are involved and are now co-operating fully with everything the health board wish to do.
The health board have great difficulty in securing accommodation. In one case the health board thought they would be able to accommodate one of the girls in accommodation in another health board area. However, at the last minute they found there were difficulties about transferring from one health board area to another. The receiving health board were unable to take the girl because their facility was for people within their health board area. I appreciate that this matter transcends a number of Departments, Education, Health and Justice.
In the case that occurred last week the young girl was remanded over the weekend in Oberstown House. I understand that Oberstown House was full at the weekend and that the officials were not inclined to take the girl but eventually because of the court order, they had to. I understand they are over crowded and are not willing to hold this girl for to long.
Another suggestion has been made and I do not know whether or not it is feasible. This case will come up again at Dundalk District Court tomorrow. I understand that if the various authorities are willing, this girl could be accommodated in a facility north of the Border. There is a willingness there to take the girl in provided the State authorities agree. I appreciate that the district justice may be in a difficult situation in that he will be then required to make an order transferring the girl out of the jurisdiction. However, there should be some co-operation between the State agencies here and across the Border. This is a problem that occurs not just here but in the Six Counties.
The North Eastern Health Board have a proposal before the Department of Health to build a secure unit for eight teenage offenders. I strongly urge the Departments of Justice, Education and Health to ensure that some facility is put in place in the near future for teenagers, particularly females who are most at risk.
