asked the Minister for Justice the number of boys who may be accommodated in St. Patrick's detention home, Dublin; what steps are being taken to relieve the over-crowded situation there; whether it is proposed to build a new detention home to replace St. Patrick's and, if so, when, where and at what cost.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin Detention Home.
37.
The number of youths who can be housed in St. Patrick's Institution is 204.
The Criminal Justice Act of 1960 empowered the courts to commit youths up to the age of 21 years to the institution for periods of less than two years, instead of to the prisons, as was the law up to then and the courts have been making increasing use of these powers. In consequence, the time has arrived when it is necessary to provide additional accommodation. Arrangements in that regard are in motion and it is hoped that additional accommodation for about 60 will be available in a new premises in a comparatively short time.
It is not the intention to build new premises in replacement of St. Patrick's.