Tony Gregory
Ceist:50 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Justice if he will outline his plans for the provision of suitable secure places for young offenders.
Written Answers. - Detention of Young Offenders.
This question has been dealt with in some detail in this House in recent months: in reply to a statement on 19 February 1991 (Official Report, Volume 405, No. 3, columns 837 to 839) and on the Adjournment on 20 February 1991 (Official Report, Volume 405, No. 4, columns 1213 to 1216).
In brief, the position is that St. Patrick's Institution and Wheatfield are the main secure detention facilities operated by the Department of Justice geared primarily towards young male offenders over 16. The women's prison is available for female offenders over 17. Facilities for boys under 16 and girls under 17 are provided by the Department of Education and my colleague, the Minister for Education, Mrs. Mary O'Rourke, T.D. has already announced her plans for the provision of extra accommodation, including secure facilities, for offenders in those age categories.