Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 20 Mar 1991

Vol. 406 No. 7

Written Answers. - Dublin Remand and Assessment Centre.

Nora Owen

Question:

236 Mrs. Owen asked the Minister for Education the number of girls who have attended Scoil Ard Mhuire Remand and Assessment Centre, Lusk, County Dublin since it opened; the length of stay of each girl; the number who are currently in residence; the number who have left without permission; if she will outline where the girls go after they leave the centre; and whether they leave this centre; and whether it will stay in operation indefinitely.

Minister for Education (Mrs. O'Rourke)

I assume that the Deputy is referring to the Oberstown Girls Remand and Assessment Centre at Lusk, County Dublin.

Since this centre was opened in March 1990 a total of 304 girls have been admitted. In some instances, individual girls will have been admitted on more than one occasion.

The normal period of remand at the centre is three weeks.

The number of girls resident at the centre on Friday 15 March 1991 was six. The centre has an authorised capacity of eight places.

Only one girl has left the centre without permission during the period in question.

Decisions regarding the future of girls leaving the centre would normally be taken by the courts who would have regard to the outcome of the assessment and the recommendation of the centre. In the majority of cases, the girls would be placed on probation and either return home or to accommodation provided by health boards or voluntary organisations. In a minority of cases, the court may recommend a further period of remand.

The present intention is that Oberstown Girl's Centre will continue in operation until such time as a new facility for girls, planned for Finglas comes on stream.