Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 29 Apr 1999

Vol. 504 No. 1

Written Answers. - Schools Refurbishment.

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

99 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress, if any, achieved to date in the redevelopment of St. Michael's remand and assessment unit in Finglas, Dublin 11, in view of the Government's post budget announcement; if the special facility for children to be released back into the community has been established; the total cost of this redevelopment; if his Department will provide the full amount to meet the cost; if additional staff are being recruited to staff this unit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11248/99]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

The process of selecting a design team for the redevelopment of St. Michael's remand and assessment unit in Finglas will be completed in the coming weeks. The detailed architectural planning of the unit will then proceed.

Work on the proposed pre-release facility at the Finglas Children's Centre is now at an advanced stage. It is expected that this facility will open this summer.

The total cost of redeveloping St. Michael's remand and assessment centre and of bringing the pre-release unit on stream is estimated to be in the region of £5 million. My Department will meet the full cost of the developments in question and the funding has been provided for in my Department's estimates.

Additional staff will be recruited for the pre-release unit.