Vol. 473 No. 6
173 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Education if funding has been allocated to build a security fence around the Oberstown young offenders' centre at Lusk, Fingal, County Dublin; if so, the design specifications for a realistic height to ensure effective security for the nearby community; and the construction date of this structure. [2300/97]
176 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Education if she will confirm the assurance that the security fence to be erected at the Oberstown centre, Lusk, County Dublin, will notresult in an extension to the centre being foisted on the local community in view of the fact that research into rehabilitating young offenders recommends smaller units than the Oberstown centre, that the trauma and fear caused by accomplices of those in custody organising escapes from Oberstown ought not to be made more frequent in the Lusk area and that sewage capacity expansion is not feasible in view of the inadequacy of the existing system. [2304/97]
212 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Education if she will provide floodlighting within the grounds of Oberstown House, Lusk and on the road to the centre from Ballough junction with the N1. [2330/97]
213 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Education if she will compensate residents for any damage to property caused by absconding detainees from the Oberstown detention centres, County Dublin. [2331/97]
214 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Education the proposals, if any, she has to provide a suitable security fence around the perimeter of Oberstown detention centres in view of the fact that this request has been made by Lusk Community Council on behalf of the residents living in the vicinity of the centres. [2332/97]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 173, 176, 212, 213 and 214 together.
My Department is currently engaged in a detailed review of overall provision for young offenders. The review in question encompasses the issue of stronger physical security arrangements at the Oberstown campus and the wider issue for future levels of provision in the context of the Children Bill, 1996.
As part of the review process, the Department commissioned an engineer's report on the feasibility of introducing a range of physical security measures, including fencing and lighting on the Oberstown campus. The report also examined existing sewage and other services on the Oberstown campus with a view to identifying current deficiencies and any upgrading which would be required in the event of an expansion of provision on the campus.
