Vol. 486 No. 1
879 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of places he is currently providing for young offenders; the plans, if any, he has to provide further places; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1608/98]
880 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of places he is providing in Waterford for young offenders; if he has satisfied himself that this number is adequate; the plans, if any, he has to increase that number; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1609/98]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 879 and 880 together.
A total of 225 places are currently provided in the five residential schools for young offenders operated under the aegis of my Department. The facilities in question are located at the Oberstown Campus in Lusk, County Dublin; the Finglas Children's Centre in Dublin; and at St. Joseph's Industrial School, Clonmel.
There are no plans to locate custodial facilities in Waterford.
My Department is currently engaged with consultants in the process of planning for the development of additional provision for young offenders. The development in question will take on board the projected demand for places for young offenders and in particular requirements arising under the Children Bill, 1996 which will be restored to the Dáil Order Paper.
