I propose to take Questions Nos. 471 and 472 together.
The official in question was attached to my Department's special education section for a short period in 1987-88 and was involved in supervising the operation of the young offender centres. During this period, concerns arose regarding a series of apparent shortcomings in the operation of the Finglas centre. As a result, an audit was carried out and a series of internal control weaknesses were identified at the centre. It is regrettably the case that the necessary follow up action was not pursued at that time. This was due to staff shortages in the section concerned.