asked the Minister for Education if he has considered the recommendations of the Committee of Inquiry into Reformatory and Industrial schools; and when he intends to implement them.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Reformatory and Industrial Schools' Report.
26.
Before any action can be taken in relation to this report it will be necessary to secure the views of all interested bodies in regard to it. Steps are being taken in order to secure these views.
Has the Minister read the report?
Yes.
Has he considered the recommendations to the effect that the personnel of these industrial and reformatory schools should as an interim measure take the course in England as a matter of urgency? Would the Minister consider acting on that recommendation as a matter of urgency? I hope he will adopt a more enlightened attitude than that adopted by the previous Minister for Justice who denounced what he called these new-fangled ideas of psychiatric and psychological assessment of these children?
The Deputy must not make a speech.
The Deputy should be aware of the fact that I have always taken a particular interest in these schools. I spent a day, shortly after being appointed, in St. Conleth's and I have improved the facilities there from the point of view of the educational aspect. The remand home and place of detention in Marlborough House is being replaced by a new school, as the Deputy is probably aware. This was suggested in the report so we have, in fact, done something in relation to this matter and we did it before the report came out.
Is it not a fact that there was a recommendation that St. Patrick's be closed? This institutionalisation of children is deplorable.
This whole matter is being considered.
The Minister is aware that the report was three years in course of preparation. Presumably, over this period, there was ample consultation with all the interests involved and it would be very serious, indeed, if there was a year's delay.
The Deputy can be assured I have a particular interest in this matter.