Vol. 459 No. 6
129 Miss Flaherty asked the Minister for Education the plans, if any, there are for future development of the Finglas Children's Centre, Dublin 11; and the role this centre will play in future child care services in this country. [18785/95]
Earlier this year, my colleague Minister of State, Deputy Currie, announced a range of proposed developments aimed at improving residential services for children in need of care or in conflict with the law. The measures in question included a proposal for further development of the Finglas Children's Centre.
The Deputy will be aware that the Government very recently approved the scheme of the Children Bill, 1995. This Bill proposes a comprehensive update of the Children Act, 1908 which currently governs the operation of facilities such as the Finglas Children's Centre.
The proposed legislation will establish the framework within which the centres for young offenders will operate in the future. The planning and development of future provision in these centres must therefore have regard to the requirements likely to arise from the new legislation.
I am aware that the authorities in the Finglas Children's Centre have recently submitted detailed proposals for the upgrading and refurbishment of the centre. These proposals will be fully taken into account as part of the wider planning process now under way.
