Vol. 549 No. 2
182 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of juvenile detention places currently available; the number required; his plans to meet this requirement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6251/02]
My Department has statutory responsibility for the provision of residential places for children up to the age of 16 years who are referred by the courts. There are five young offender centres under the aegis of my Department currently providing accommodation for up to 162 children.
The Government's commitment to children "at risk" is evidenced by the measures contained in the Children Act, 2001. It proposes a modern statutory framework for the development of the juvenile justice system. In addition to updating the provisions relating to young persons who have been sentenced by the courts, including the obligations of the centres under the aegis of my Department, the legislation will provide for a wide range of early interventions and non-custodial alternatives to cater for children coming into conflict with the law or with serious care needs. It also provides for the establishment of the special residential services board. The special residential services board will work in close co-operation with all relevant bodies, to facilitate and ensure the efficient and co-ordinated delivery of services to children in respect of whom children detention orders or special care orders are made.
My Department is implementing a major capital development plan in the young offender centres to ensure the centres meet obligations that will arise under the Children Act, 2001, in addition to ensuring that they meet modern child care standards.
In addition my Department has commissioned an independent review of the residential requirements for young offenders. The purpose of this review is to ensure there are sufficient residential places available to meet the needs of the target group in the short, medium and longer term. A consultant has been appointed and it is expected that his report will be available shortly. The outcome of this review will inform future development plans in this area.
