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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 11 Oct 1994

Vol. 445 No. 6

Written Answers. - Events Attended by Young Offenders.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

455 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Education whether offenders held at Oberstown House, Dublin have received tickets to events including the UB40 concert held on 21 August 1994 and the world cup qualifying matches; if so, the cost incurred from their attendance; whether care workers accompanied the offenders to these events; and the cost incurred from their attendance. [432/94]

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

458 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Education if she will provide a breakdown of events attended by young offenders, and other benefits such as clothing, takeaways, cigarettes and other such benefits, together with the annual cost. [435/94]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 455 and 458 together.

Mobility trips such as those referred to by the Deputy are undertaken as part of the overall behaviour modification programmes pursued in the young offender centres. Participation in such trips is based on a rating or merit system through which good behaviour is encouraged and rewarded. Each case is assessed on an individual basis before permission is granted. Such trips can include participation in a range of outdoor pursuits, attendance at sporting or entertainment events, visits to shops etc. In all such situations, arrangements regarding trips are planned in advance and the children are accompained by care staff.
The concert to which the Deputy refers was attended by three boys from Oberstown Boys Centre. The boys were accompanied by two members of the centre's care staff. The cost of the five tickets involved was £117.50. The boys in question contributed £35.50 towards this cost.
In the case of the world cup qualifying matches, I can confirm that in respect of each of the four home games during 1993, two boys attended each game and were accompanied by two care staff on each occasion. The total cost of attendance at these events was £192.
The residential nature of young offender centres requires expenditure across a broad range of headings. Total expenditure on non-pay operating costs in 1993 was £1,579,209. This would embrace normal utility costs as well as the costs involved in providing clothing, footwear, toiletries, meals, bedding etc. It would also include a sum of £158,000 approximately in respect of expenditure on recreational equipment and activities, including mobility trips. A small weekly allowance is paid to each child for the purchase of items for personal consumption. However, cigarette smoking is not encouraged and is only permitted in designated locations within the centres. Smoking only takes place under close supervision and children are strictly prohibited from having possession of lighters or matches.
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