Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 23 Jun 1993

Vol. 432 No. 7

Written Answers. - Detention of Young Offenders.

Ivor Callely

Question:

119 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Education the total number of residential places under the aegis of her Department which cater for young offenders; if she will give a breakdown of the places for males and females; if there is adequate accommodation; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

A total of 226 places for young offenders are provided in the residential centres operated under the aegis of my Department. This number is comprised of 210 places for boys and 16 places for girls.

In the case of boys, the provision is further broken down as follows:

Industrial School Places	130
Reformatory School Places	48
Remand Places	32

In the case of girls, the provision is comprised of:

Reformatory School Places	8
Remand Places	8

While I am satisfied that the current level of provision is adequate for present demands, it is necessary to keep this matter under constant review. Such review is conducted on an ongoing basis by an Inter-Departmental Committee comprised of representatives of my Department and the Departments of Justice and Health.