asked the Minister for Justice if he considers that the methods for the rehabilitation of juvenile delinquents in this country are adequate.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Rehabilitation of Juvenile Delinquents.
8.
The Deputy's question is so wide that it admits of no ready answer. Regard must be had to the cases of young offenders in varying stages of delinquency, as for example those who have not been charged but merely cautioned, those who have been dismissed under the Probation Act, those placed on probation, those convicted and sent to places of detention, to industrial or reformatory schools or to prison or detained in St. Patricks Institution, and finally, those who have been discharged from these institutions. Moreover the treatment of juvenile delinquents who have been sent to places of detention or to industrial or reformatory schools is a matter for the Minister for Education.
However, all things considered, I am satisfied that the State is doing what it can for the rehabilitation of delinquents though its resources are limited.
As I understood the Minister to say in his speech on the Estimate for his Department that juvenile delinquency was causing him—as it is every one else— a certain amount of anxiety, could he indicate to the House why, in the case of juvenile delinquents, many of them are second offenders or relapsed cases? If such is the case does he consider that the methods of prevention or rehabilitation he has in hand are sufficient?
I hope in the near future to bring in the Criminal Justice Bill and it will deal to a very large extent with the type of delinquent to whom the Deputy refers. Perhaps on that occasion he will be able to raise the matter at greater length.