I propose to take Questions Nos. 204 to 207, inclusive, together.
The unit cost figure of £125,195, €158,998, for 2001 referred to by the Deputy was estimated by reference to an operational capacity of 40 boys for the Finglas Children's Centre. That operational capacity of 40 was used in the calculation of the unit cost figures for each of the three years as being representative of the operational capacity for the years in question and to allow for comparisons between the unit costs for each year. The details sought by the Deputy in relation to the number of boys present in the centre at the end of each month in 2001 is being compiled and will be sent to the Deputy shortly.
The accommodation units St. Laurence's care and education unit are provided across three distinct dormitory areas as follows middle dormitory, northern dormitory and the southern dormitory. These units were closed for major refurbishment works during the following periods: middle dormitory – 24 July 2000 to 30 September 2000; southern dormitory – 15 January 2001 to 12 April 2001 for the bedroom areas, this dormitory is closed currently to facilitate works on the living room areas that commenced on 14 January 2002 and which are scheduled to be completed on 28 June 2002; and northern dormitory – 4 July 2001 to 11 January 2002
The Grove throughcare or pre-release unit at the centre was temporarily closed at the end of June 2001 as the need for the service had declined temporarily and the centre was short of staff in other units. The Grove was reopened in July 2001 to serve as an interim senior unit to facilitate the refurbishment works on the northern dormitory of St. Laurence's care and education unit. It is expected that the Grove will reopen as a pre-release unit in April-May of this year.
The independent inspection of the Finglas Children's Centre will be separate to any inspection of the other special schools for young offenders. The inspection will be carried out by Mr. M. Laxton, who is an internationally recognised expert in the field of residential child care. It is expected that Mr. Laxton will commence work on the inspection within the next ten days and it is estimated that the inspection process will be completed in early April. The inspector will examine and inspect the operations of the centre by reference to standards that were drawn up by my Department in consultation with the centres themselves and the social services inspectorate. These standards cover all aspects of residential child care and reflect best practice both in Ireland and internationally. I have arranged for a copy to be sent to the Deputy for her information.