Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 27 Nov 1990

Vol. 403 No. 1

Written Answers. - Accommodation for Juvenile Offenders.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

48 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Justice if his attention has been drawn to the present situation where custodial places cannot be found for young offenders; and if he will outline his plans for the development of suitable custodial accommodation for young offenders.

Joe Sherlock

Ceist:

50 Mr. Sherlock asked the Minister for Justice the number of persons aged 15 years or under who, to date in 1990, have been held in adult prisons after being certified by a court under the Children's Act, 1908, of being so unruly or depraved a character that he cannot be detained in a place of detention; if he has satisfied himself that the facilities available to him for dealing with juvenile offenders are adequate; if he plans any improvements or changes; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Justice (Mr. Burke)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 48 and 50 together.

The institutions for young offenders operated by my Department cater for young male offenders aged 16 years and over and young female offenders aged 17 years and over. In addition young offenders aged 15 and 16 may be committed to prison in accordance with the provisions of section 97 and 102 of the Children's Act, 1908.

Young offenders committed by the courts are accommodated in the places of detention at St. Patrick's Institution, Wheatfield, the open place of custody at Shanganagh together with Mountjoy and Limerick prisons.

To date, in 1990, a total of 21 persons aged 15 years have been committed to prison under the Children's Act, 1908, of which seven are currently on remand or serving a sentence. Offenders under the age of 15 cannot be sent to prison.

I am satisfied that the level of prison accommodation available for young offenders is adequate and there are no plans at present for the provision of additional prison accommodation for this category of offender.