asked the Minister for Justice if he is aware of the high incidence of juvenile crime; the measures he proposes to introduce to eliminate the underlying social factors which contribute to such crime; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Juvenile Crime.
22.
My functions in this matter are concerned with the prevention and detection of crime and the custody and supervision of certain categories of young offenders who are sentenced by the courts. In August last I introduced special police measures to reduce vandalism and street crime, which are almost invariably perpetrated by juveniles. The juvenile liaison officer scheme of the Garda Síochána and the welfare service of my Department act in advisory and supervisory roles in relation to young law breakers. These services are being continued and expanded.
As regards the custody of young offenders, I am having Loughan House, Blacklion, County Cavan, adapted as a secure custodial school. Work on this project, which is a temporary measure, is proceeding with all possible expedition. Concurrently, a permanent purpose-built school is being planned by the Department of Education but this will take some time to complete.
Can the Minister indicate whether he has any proposal for increasing the number of welfare officers or of improving their capacity to operate vis-á-vis juvenile inmates of these institutions?
That point is covered in a subsequent question.
Regarding Loughan House, can the Minister indicate whether the staff will be prison officers and, if so, whether they will be given any special training to cope with this unique type of problem?
There will be special training for these people but that point, too, is covered in another question. However, in order to give the Deputy a full reply in this regard, I should need special notice of this question.
(Cavan-Monaghan): Regarding Loughan House, can the Minister say whether he has succeeded in making satisfactory arrangements for educational instruction there?
I believe so.
(Cavan-Monaghan): Have the difficulties been resolved?
While I cannot give the Deputy the full details that I would like to give him, I am confident that satisfactory arrangements have been made for the provision of educational facilities at Loughan House. If the Deputy wishes I shall communicate this information to him.
(Cavan-Monaghan): I should be glad to have the information.