Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 May 2004
203 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science the situation with regard to the juvenile detention centre at Finglas, Dublin; if he received the final Laxton report on the operation of the centre; if he has satisfied himself that problems identified have been addressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13486/04]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, my Department commissioned an independent inspector, Mr. Mike Laxton, to carry out an inspection of Finglas Child and Adolescent Centre. Mr. Laxton reported in July 2002 and his report is available on my Department's website. The inspection report contains a range of detailed requirements and recommendations and Mr. Laxton was retained by my Department to monitor progress in the centre. Between November 2002 and March 2003 Mr. Laxton visited the centre and completed four progress reviews. The fifth and final review was deferred by my Department to afford the management at the centre an opportunity to progress the implementation of the various recommendations. It was expected that this final review would be completed by mid-2004.
However, in the light of further concerns raised about the operation of the centre by key stakeholders, both internal and external, my Department commissioned a review of the operation of the centre in March 2004. The review was undertaken by Mr. Michael Donnellan, director of Trinity House school, and its purpose was to identify the issues and problems affecting the efficient and effective operation of the centre and adversely affecting the task of caring for troubled children and to make recommendations to address the shortcomings identified. Mr. Donnellan has recently completed his report and it is currently being considered by my Department.
