Vol. 473 No. 1
217 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Education the plans, if any, she has in relation to heightened security at Oberstown boys and girls centres, County Meath and Trinity House, Lusk, County Dublin; if so, the timescale for the erection of security fencing; whether this measure is a prelude to the expansion of these centres; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24305/96]
Steps have already been taken to improve security arrangements at the campus in Lusk, County Dublin, which comprises Oberstown boys centre, Oberstown girls centre and Trinity House school. Arising from a detailed review of security arrangements, new internal control procedures have been put in place in each of these facilities. These measures have already contributed to a reduction in the level of absconding from the centres in question. My Department is also considering the need for stronger physical security arrangements to supplement internal control procedures. A detailed report on the feasibility or proposed improved arrangements has just been received in my Department. The report in question also assessed the capacity of the Lusk complex to accommodate additional provision for young offenders in the context of developments proposed under the Children Bill, 1996. The report is currently being examined by my Department. Pending completion of this examination, it is not possible to comment on the nature of the measures which will be put in place on the Lusk campus or the likely time-frame involved.
