Vol. 452 No. 3
23 Mr. Flood asked the Minister for Education the plans, if any, she has for the provision of additional remand and assessment places for juvenile offenders. in view of the fact that very often juvenile offenders referred to such facilities by the courts are turned away because no places are available due to overcrowding and are released on to the streets; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5094/95]
112 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Education if she has satisfied herself with the quality and number of places available for young offenders in residential centres operated under the aegis of her Department; if she will give a breakdown of the number of places available and the number utilised in 1994; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5401/95]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 23 and 112 together.
I am pleased to inform the House that I am undertaking a number of significant initiatives aimed at improving current provision in the young offender area. In the case of young female offenders, arrangements are being made to provide an industrial school for girls, four additional reformatory school places for girls and three secure places for seriously disruptive girls. In the case of young male offenders, arrangements are being made to provide an additional 28 to 30 reformatory school places.
I am not aware that lack of accommodation is contributing to a significant level of release of young offenders referred on remand for assessment. Occasionally, cases are refused admission. This usually arises where the centre cannot cater for the particular needs of the offender concerned. I am satisfied that there is no overcrowding in any of the custodial centres.
At present, the five young offender centres operated under the aegis of the Department of Education provide a total of 210 places for boys and 15 places for girls. I am satisfied with the quality of service provided by each of these centres.
With regard to occupancy levels, the Deputy will appreciate that the number of persons in custody can vary from day to day depending on court decisions. However, it is clear that there is growing pressure for accommodation in reformatory schools in particular. These facilities, which currently provide 48 long-stay places, deal with the older children who are usually involved in more serious offences. Throughout 1994 these facilities operated at or close to capacity. Experience throughout the past year would suggest that the 130 places currently available in industrial schools are adequate to meet likely demand.
