Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 14 Oct 1999

Vol. 509 No. 3

Written Answers. - Custodial Facilities.

Monica Barnes

Question:

71 Mrs. Barnes asked the Minister for Education and Science if the inspectorate supervising custodial facilities funded by his Department has the right to publish its findings; and if it will use the provisions of the Education Acts to set up the inspectorate as an independent agency. [20006/99]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

Under the Children Act, 1908, overall responsibility for the inspection of industrial and reformatory schools currently rests with the Minister for Education and Science and the chief inspector of schools. Under their direction, the inspection of these facilities is carried out by a designated inspector of industrial and reformatory schools, with the assistance of a child care adviser.

The designated inspector and the child care adviser have responsibility for monitoring the ongoing operation of the facilities and reporting and advising on standards of management in the facilities and on the protection, care, safety and wellbeing of the children. Reports and findings are not currently published by the inspectorate.

The recently published Children Bill, 1999, which will replace the Children Act, 1908, makes specific provision for the inspection of all aspects of residential care in the custodial facilities. Sections 188 and 189 of the Bill deal with the question of reports of inspections and investigations carried out by the inspector. They also provide for the preparation of an annual report by the inspector. The Bill provides for the laying of all such reports before the Houses of the Oireachtas, subject to the right of the Minister for Education and Science to omit any material where such omission is necessary to avoid identification of any person.

I do not consider that it is necessary to establish the inspectorate of the facilities in question as an independent agency. Rather, I consider that the arrangements set out in the Children Bill, 1999, represent the most effective means of ensuring that an adequate inspection service is in place.