Nora Owen
Question:235 Mrs. Owen asked the Minister for Education if he will give a full report on the recent breakouts from Oberstown boys school, Lusk, County Dublin; and when he will provide the long-promised security fence around this facility.
Written Answers. - Boys' Detention Centre.
Seán Ryan
Question:244 Mr. Ryan asked the Minister for Education if he will report on the recent incidents at Oberstown boys school, Lusk, County Dublin were a number of youths absconded over a three day period; and, if, in view of the concern being expressed by the local residents, he will outline the steps he proposes to take to ensure that the security and manning levels at the school are adequate to prevent a recurrence.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 235 and 244 together.
Oberstown Boys' Centre was opened in September 1991 and currently has authority to hold 10 boys on remand and a further 20 boys on long term detention. The Centre offers a less restrictive regime for those young offenders for whom the more secure arrangements of Trinity House are not considered necessary or appropriate. It is important that this varied level of response be available to meet the particular needs of the boys involved and in keeping with this approach it is not intended, nor was it ever promised, that a security fence be erected around the facility. Where a boy proves to require secure provision, arrangements are made for transfer to Trinity House.
The Director of Oberstown Boys Centre has also met with representatives of the local Community Council to advise them fully on the measures taken to minimise the possibility of a recurrence.