Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 8 Oct 1997

Vol. 481 No. 2

Written Answers. - Detention Centres.

Nora Owen

Question:

156 Mrs. Owen asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of abscondings which have taken place for each month in 1997 from Trinity House, Oberstown girls centre and Oberstown boys centre, Lusk, County Dublin; the number of these young people who are still at large; and if any of these people were involved in other crimes whilst at large or if they were themselves subject to any attack or crime. [15807/97]

Nora Owen

Question:

157 Mrs. Owen asked the Minister for Education and Science when work will commence on the construction of a secure fence or wall around the campus at Oberstown girls and boys centres at Lusk, County Dublin; the cost of such a fence or wall; and the body which will carry out the work. [15808/97]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 156 and 157 together.

A total of 23 absconds have taken place from the centres in question during 1997. Following is a detailed breakdown relating to each centre for each month. None of the absconders referred to is still at large. In the case of two boys and two girls, further charges are being pursued as a result of activities they are alleged to have been involved in while at large. In addition, one of the girls has alleged that she was involved in a potentially serious incident while at large. The circumstances of this case are currently being investigated.

Detailed planning for the construction of a security fence and provision of additional physical security measures at the Oberstown campus is almost complete. The contract for these works will be awarded by public tender.

While my Department has prepared provisional estimates of the costs involved in these developments, it would not be appropriate to divulge these costs in advance of going to tender. It is intended to have this project approved as a matter of urgency with a view to commencing construction early in 1998.

Particulars of Absconds from Centres at Oberstown Campus during 1997

Month	Trinity House School	Oberstown Boys Centre	Oberstown Girls Centre	Total
January	1	Nil	1	2
February	Nil	Nil	Nil	Nil
March	Nil	6	Nil	6
April	Nil	Nil	Nil	Nil
May	Nil	1	1	2
June	Nil	1	1	2
July	Nil	1	2	3
August	Nil	Nil	Nil	Nil
September	Nil	2	4	6
October	Nil	2	Nil	2