Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 11 Nov 1998

Vol. 496 No. 4

Written Answers. - Detention Centres.

Nora Owen

Ceist:

312 Mrs. Owen asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of youths who have absconded from Oberstown House (boys) and Trinity House from 1 January to date in 1998; the position regarding the erection of a new wall around the complex; the number of young people in each of the three units; the numbers in January, May and July 1998; the full capacity of each of the units; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23080/98]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

A total of 12 youths absconded from Oberstown boys centre during the period in question. There were no absconds from Trinity House school.

Work is currently being finalised on the technical specifications for the proposed perimeter fence and associated security lighting and other external control features. The objective is to go to tender on this project very shortly.

The number of young people in the three centres as of 10 November 1998 was as follows: Oberstown boys' centre, 23; Oberstown girls' centre, 9; and, Trinity House school, 15.

The numbers in each of the schools on a sample date in January, May and July 1998 were as follows:

	31 January 1998	31 May 1998	31 July 1998
Oberstown boys' centre	28	25	22
Oberstown girls' centre	12	11	11
Trinity House school	24	16	15

The normal capacity of the centre is: Oberstown boys' centre, 30 places; Oberstown girls' centre, 15 places; and Trinity House school, 30 places.

The capacity in Trinity House was restricted in May of this year following an incident in the school. Two of the three ten-bed units were closed as a result of damage caused in the incident. One of those units reopened in June following necessary repair works. Refurbishment of the other unit is ongoing.