Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 May 2014
562. Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of prisoners under 21 years of age; the number in each of the institutions in which they are held; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21375/14]
View answerThe information requested by the Deputy is set out in the following table as of the 12 May 2014.
| Prison | 17 years | 18 years | 19 years | 20 years |
| Arbour Hill | 1 | |||
| Castlerea | 6 | 10 | 12 | |
| Cloverhill | 5 | 8 | 12 | |
| Cork | 6 | 6 | 7 | |
| Dochas | ||||
| Limerick | 7 | 8 | 7 | |
| Loughan | 1 | |||
| Midlands | 4 | 7 | 22 | |
| Mountjoy | 2 | 5 | 10 | |
| Portlaoise | 2 | 2 | 5 | |
| St. Patricks | 2 | |||
| Shelton Abbey | 1 | |||
| Training Unit | ||||
| Wheatfield | 7 | 18 | 23 | 19 |
| Total | 9 | 50 | 69 | 97 |
In line with the recommendation of the Inspector of Prisons and in order to effect the changes necessary in regime and culture and to ensure the safe and secure custody, a decision was taken to close St. Patrick’s Institution and disperse all 17 - 20 year old prisoners and to other locations. Pending the development of new facilities in Oberstown in mid 2014, for which the Minister for Children & Youth Affairs has responsibility, this involved the transfer of all 17 year olds serving a sentence in St. Patrick’s Institution to a dedicated Unit in Wheatfield Place of Detention and the transfer of the 18 to 20 year old population to Wheatfield Place of Detention also. Prisoners continue to be committed for a period of detention to St. Patrick’s Institution. They are accommodated in a dedicated committal and assessment unit for up to 24 hours (B Wing). From here, prisoners will be dispersed to Wheatfield Place of Detention. There are currently 2 remand prisoners currently 17 years of age who, for legal reasons, must remain in St. Patrick's Institution pending the completion of building works at Oberstown, County Dublin.
