asked the Minister for Justice whether he intends to detain the youths committed to Borstal in Cork Jail indefinitely; and, if not, when and where does he intend to provide suitable accommodation for them.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Borstal Accommodation.
As was stated in reply to a similar question last October, the conditions under which the Borstal inmates are living in Cork Prison at Cork have been very much improved. The authorities of University College, Cork, have allowed the institution the use of a playing field. Bicycles have been provided and cycling trips organised. These developments remove to a considerable extent what was one of the most serious defects — the absence of facilities for outdoor exercise. To provide improved indoor recreation, a new recreation hall was opened some months ago. It is provided with a stage, a piano, a radiogram, ample seating accommodation, and tables for games, such as chess or draughts. The inmates are permitted to use this hall each evening, and it is used for lectures, cinema shows and other entertainments organised by the Borstal Association. Specially selected youths of good conduct and industry are also permitted, in company with members of the Borstal Association, to visit places of interest and entertainments in Cork City and vicinity. The doors of all cells are unlocked from 7 in the morning until 10 at night.
Generally, conditions are very much better than they have ever been since the Borstal system was started.
It is, however, definitely intended to transfer the institution to more suitable premises as soon as possible. A large number of premises have been inspected for this purpose, but were all found to be unsuitable. At the moment, it would seem probable that the only solution is to acquire a site and build on it, but this would probably involve a long delay, and I have not yet abandoned all hope of finding an existing building which can be adapted for the purpose.
I appreciate that the Minister's exertions will improve conditions in Cork Jail for these Borstal inmates, but with regard to the acquisition of new premises, has he inspected the Borstal Institution premises in Northern Ireland, which I do not think were specially designed for the purpose of Borstal, with a view to seeing whether, along the lines pursued there, a large house may not be effectively adapted for a similar purpose here?
Mr. Boland
I have not inspected that institution but, as I have stated in my reply, I have inspected several buildings and I am sorry to say that, so far, we have not got one to suit. I do not see what would be gained by my visiting the Northern Ireland premises. They might keep me there if I were to go up.
Is the Minister aware of the line on which the Borstal Institution is operated in Northern Ireland and Great Britain?
Mr. Boland
I have a good idea of the line and I think we are heading somewhat in that direction, as the Deputy will admit.
I agree, certainly. I think the Minister has introduced admirable reforms in the Borstal Institution. I hope he will try to get premises as soon as he can.
Are not these boys very happy in Cork?
In Cork Jail?
Yes.
That is the strangest description I ever heard of inmates of a jail.
I think they are very happy.
Mr. Boland
The idea, as everyone knows, is to try to reform boys who were getting six months at a time. None of them is a first offender.
Admittedly they are better off than they were before.
Mr. Boland
A very definite attempt is made to improve them.