It is not possible to be precise regarding the number of places required for juvenile offenders. Demand for such accommodation can vary from day to day depending on decisions taken by the courts. Experience with the operation of the present industrial school facilities indicates that the 130 places currently available in these schools are adequate to meet present and likely demand.
In the case of reformatory school places, there is growing pressure on the 60 places currently available for young male offenders in the 14 to 16 age group. There is also occasional pressure on the 16 places available for young female offenders.
To address this issue, Minister of State, Deputy Currie, recently announced proposals to develop an additional 28 to 30 reformatory school places for boys and seven additional places for young female offenders.