Vol. 481 No. 6
91 Mr. Belton asked the Minister for Education and Science the outcome of the report which he sought on security and trips from young offenders centres; and the changes, if any, which have been made as a result of this report. [16674/97]
In July of this year, I met senior management from the young offender centres located at Oberstown, Lusk, County Dublin. At this meeting, I expressed my serious concern at ongoing breaches of security at the Oberstown campus and also the high incidence of absconding while on mobility trips. I directed that an immediate review be undertaken in relation to security arrangements on the campus and also in relation to procedures governing the granting of mobility and the supervision of children while on mobility.
As a result of this review, the board of management of the centres has introduced a range of measures to tighten up procedures in relation to mobility trips. The measures in question relate to the arrangements governing the selection of children to take part in such trips and also the manner in which children are supervised while on mobility. The Deputy may be aware that I have already suspended all mobility trips for high risk offenders.
The question of on campus security has been reviewed by a consultant engineer whose report has been considered by the board of management of the Oberstown centres. Arising from this process, detailed planning for the construction of a security fence around the Oberstown campus and for a number of additional security measures is almost complete. It is intended to proceed with this project as a matter of urgency with a view to commencing construction early in 1998.
