Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 15 Dec 1999

Vol. 512 No. 7

Written Answers. - Juvenile Offenders.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

222 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 9 who was given a two year sentence on 8 November 1999 for various offences and who still remains at large due to the fact there was no place available at a detention centre; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that since being sentenced he has been arrested and charged on several occasions; if he will arrange an immediate secure placement for this boy before he injures himself or a member of the public with a stolen car; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27321/99]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

The case to which the Deputy refers concerns a youth who was committed to Oberstown Boys' Centre for two years on 8 November 1999. It is unfortunately the case that, on the date in question, the centre was operating at maximum capacity and was not therefore in a position to accommodate the boy in question.

However, I am pleased to inform the Deputy that arrangements have been made to provide a place for this boy at Oberstown on 16 December 1999.