I am informed by Garda authorities that the issue of a group of juveniles who are actively engaging in criminal and anti-social activities was discussed at a recent meeting of the community policing forum at Store Street Garda Station. I am also informed by the Garda authorities that there are seven juveniles, six of whom are from the area referred to by the Deputy, who are active in such activities.
I am further informed that the juveniles concerned have been charged a total of 114 times this year. These seven juveniles are the most persistent and active juvenile offenders in the area. The area referred to by the Deputy has been previously targeted by the Garda for public order operations and is also an integral part of the current Operation Oíche initiative.
Having regard to the fact that the offenders to whom the Deputy refers are under the age of 16 years, the Minister for Education and Science is pursuing a five year development plan in the young offender area, involving the total expenditure of £25 million. His plan envisages major refurbishment of some of the existing custodial facilities, coupled with measures aimed at ensuring that the custodial facilities operated by his Department are capable of meeting their obligations upon the enactment of the Children Bill, 1999. Details of the measures which I am currently taking to ensure an adequate number of detention places for young offenders within my own Department's area of responsibility are set out in my reply to Question No. 130 of 5 October 2000.
