Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 7 Mar 2001

Vol. 532 No. 2

Written Answers. - National Assessment Centre.

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

40 Ms O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will report on the severe difficulties in the National Assessment Centre where management complain with regard to their inability to carry out assessments due to the number of beds inappropriately used for disturbed children; and the steps he will take to rectify this situation as a matter of urgency. [6957/01]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods)

I take it the Deputy is referring to St. Michael's Remand and Assessment Centre, Kildonan Road, Finglas now known as the National Remand and Assessment Centre.

The centre is certified as a place of detention and is used to cater for children remanded by the courts for short periods and for children remanded for assessment. I am aware that the centre experienced difficulties in the recent past in catering for children referred by the courts for assessment. These difficulties were related to the demand for placements at the centre, the condition of the buildings and in particular, the number of children with extreme behavioural problems who were being placed there by order of the High Court, while awaiting alternative placement. In this context, the Deputy will appreciate that it would not be appropriate for me to comment on decisions of the court.

As a result of these difficulties, the centre was unable to carry out any assessments for a short period at the end of last year. This resulted in a backlog of cases and also created difficulties for the courts. The backlog has since been cleared. The centre is currently operating with ten assessment beds and a number of additional emergency remand beds.

It is recognised that the buildings occupied by the centre are not suitable for retention into the future. Planning is under way for the replacement of the entire facility and the construction of a new National Remand and Assessment facility with a capacity for 20 children. Architectural planning for the new facility is at an advanced stage and it is expected that tenders for the construction of the new facility will be invited this summer.

An important development in the provision of assessment facilities has been the opening, in recent weeks, of a new project in Finglas village, which will provide a day assessment service for five children referred by the courts. This service is intended to provide an alternative to residential assessment for certain children and will result in a reduction of pressure on places.

The measures now in train will help ensure that there are adequate places available to cater for children remanded for assessment by the courts.