Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 18 Jun 1996

Vol. 467 No. 1

Written Answers. - Trinity House School.

John O'Donoghue

Question:

55 Mr. O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Education the plans, if any, she has to review policy in Trinity House in view of the fact that over two-thirds of residents re-offend after leaving; the average yearly cost of housing each resident; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9770/96]

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

In October 1994, the management of Trinity House School, in conjunction with my Department, undertook a major review of programme content and delivery in the school. The object of this exercise was to maximise the effectiveness of the programmes in contributing to the rehabilitation of the children.

Arising from this review, programmes were updated and steamlined and new management systems were introduced. The impact of the revised procedures was assessed again in October 1995. It was found that there had been a marked improvement in the boys' behaviour, both while in the school and while on home leave and mobility trips.

Key indicators of behaviour, such as assaults on staff, assaults on other boys and levels of attempted abscondings were noted to be significantly reduced.

It is too early to gauge the likely impact of the revised policies on the rate of re-offending. This will only emerge over time and will be monitored by the school. However, I hope the positive changes observed in the boys' behaviour while in the school will continue when the boys return to the community. The Deputy will appreciate that the environment to which a boy returns after leaving the school can have a major impact on his subsequent behaviour.

While the level of re-offending by children who leave our centres continues to be a matter of concern, I would point out that experience in this country compares favourably with that in other countries.

In 1995 the yearly cost per place in Trinity House School was £79,921. While every effort is made to control costs in this area, it must be noted that Trinity House School is a secure facility catering for the most difficult juvenile offenders and, as such, has staffing levels and other cost factors related to security and control which are not required in other centres.

The House will be aware that the Government has recently approved the general scheme of a new children Bill. This Bill sets down the framework for the future delivery of services to children in need of special care and those coming into conflict with the law. One of the fundamental principles set down in the Bill is the proposal that custodial sentences should be applied only as a matter of last resort. In support of this principle, the Bill proposes a wide range of non-custodial alternatives. The Bill also envisages a significant rationalisation of the operation of the custodial centres to ensure that they are in a position to meet today's demands.