Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 6 Nov 2001

Vol. 543 No. 2

Written Answers. - Young Offenders.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

763 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of beds in each children's centre; the number of beds currently open in each; the reasons for bed closures in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26146/01]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods):

My Department is responsible for the operation of five special schools for young offenders. They are St. Joseph's Special School, Ferryhouse, Clonmel, County Tipperary; Trinity House School, Oberstown, Lusk, County Dublin; Finglas Child and Adolescent Centre, Kildonan Road, Finglas West, Dublin 11; Oberstown Girls Centre, Oberstown, Lusk, County Dublin; and Oberstown Boys Centre, Oberstown, Lusk, County Dublin.

St. Joseph's school has a current operational capacity of 36 beds and all beds are available for use at present. Trinity House School currently has an operational capacity of 24 beds and all beds are currently available for use. Finglas Child and Adolescent Centre has a current operational capacity of 39 beds. The number of beds available for use at present is 27. The reduction in capacity is as a result of essential renovations being carried out at present in the centre and the increased number of High Court admissions that require higher than normal staffing ratios.

The centre has also experienced some staff retention and recruitment difficulties. Oberstown Girls Centre currently has an operational capacity of 15 beds. The number of beds available for use is currently eight. This reduction is primarily due to a recent environmental health report, which has necessitated the carrying out of urgent refurbishment works to the units in general, and particularly to the kitchen areas. Oberstown Boys Centre has a current operational capacity of 17 beds, all of which are currently available for use. This operational capacity is reduced as a result of refurbishment works carried out to the residential units. The operational capacity will increase by five beds to 22 beds later this month and by a further four beds shortly thereafter to bring the total operational capacity of this centre up to 26 beds.

My Department is conscious of its responsibility to ensure that there are adequate places available to accommodate children who have been convicted or placed on remand by a court. Arrangements are in place to monitor that the number of places available for these young people on a regular basis and steps have also been taken to ensure that management at the centres are also aware of their responsibilities in the matter. Centres have indicated that the response to recent staff recruitment drives has been better than expected and outstanding vacancies are now being filled. I have also commissioned a review of the existing residential service provision under my Department with a view to ensuring that available places are being used optimally. The outcome of this review will inform future plans in this area.