I wish to inform the deputy that the number of boys detained each month on remand in Saint Patrick's since the enactment of the Children Amendment Bill 2015 is set out in the table.
Month
|
Total on Remand
|
April 2015
|
0
|
May 2015
|
2
|
June 2015
|
4
|
July 2015
|
0
|
August 2015
|
3
|
September 2015
|
2
|
October 2015
|
4
|
November 2015
|
1
|
December 2015
|
2
|
January 2016
|
2
|
February 2016
|
3
|
March 2016
|
1
|
April 2016
|
1
|
May 2016
|
1
|
Total
|
26
|
The Minister for Children and Youth Affairs made the necessary orders under the Children Act 2001 to transfer responsibility for newly remanded 17 year old males to Oberstown from 30 March 2015. However, for legal reasons, it has been necessary to retain St Patrick’s Institution on a contingency basis for remands awaiting places in Oberstown. The courts have on occasion remanded 16 and 17 year olds to St Patrick’s for short periods until places in Oberstown become available.