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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 14 Nov 1996

Vol. 471 No. 6

Written Answers. - Persons on Temporary Release.

John O'Donoghue

Question:

63 Mr. O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Education the number of persons on full temporary release from special schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18424/96]

A total of four young persons are currently on temporary release under licence from the residential special schools for young offenders. Such releases are specifically provided for under the Children Act, 1908, which governs the operation of these schools. The temporary release mechanism facilitates the phased reintegration of offenders back into society as they approach the end of their committal period.

In considering a young person for release under licence, the special school must be satisfied that the person is suitable having regard to factors such as whether the person has developed the appropriate social skills; whether the person has a stable home or other residential placement to go to; whether a suitable educational placement, training course or job has been secured for the person and whether the person has a satisfactory record with any previous home leave.

Such releases are planned in advance and form an integral part of the overall care and rehabilitation programme developed for each person placed in the special schools. Where the conditions of the licence are breached, the licence is automatically revoked and the person is returned to the school to serve the remainder of the sentence. It is also open to the school to revoke the licence at any time.

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