Vol. 567 No. 1
245 Ms O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of places available for juvenile offenders under his Department; the occupancy level of these places from January to April 2003; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13586/03]
There are five children detention schools under the aegis of my Department. They provide residential accommodation for children under 16 years who have been convicted of an offence or remanded in custody by the courts. The operational capacity of these schools was 130 places for the months of January to March 2003 rising to 134 places in the month of April. Of the 130 places available for use in January to March 2003, 100 places were occupied in January, 96 in February and 98 in March. Of the 134 places available for use in April 2003, 92 places were occupied. The figures supplied relate to the last Wednesday in each month – 29 January, 26 February, 26 March and 30 April.
The operational capacity and occupancy levels of these schools fluctuate on a daily basis. These variations may occur due to a range of factors such as client movement, refurbishment work, current child care practice, staffing levels etc. The capacity of the schools are monitored by the Department on an ongoing basis.
Children convicted of offences may be committed to the schools for a period ranging from one year to four years. The average duration of stay ranges between 12 to 18 months. Children on charges before the courts may be remanded in custody to the schools either on remand only or remand for assessment. Remand period's range from days to weeks. The average duration of remand periods ranges between four to 13 weeks.
Work is currently under way on a programme of capital developments at the children detention schools. This programme provides for the major refurbishment and replacement of existing facilities that are considered inadequate in the context of building regulations, health and safety standards and current minimum standards for residential child care.
In 2002 my Department commissioned an independent review of residential provision for children. The purpose of this review is to ensure that there are adequate places available to accommodate children who have been convicted of an offence or placed on remand by a court and to ensure that the existing places are being used optimally. The schools for young offenders are currently governed by the Children Act 1908 which will be replaced by the Children Act 2001 when the provisions of the latter Act are commenced by ministerial orders.
My Department is considering the recommendations of this report in conjunction with the implementation of the provisions of the Children Act 2001. The report has been forwarded to the Special Residential Services Board for its views, which will also be considered when available. The Special Residential Services Board was established in 2001 on an administrative basis. The purpose of the board is to ensure the efficient, effective and co-ordinated delivery of services to children on whom detention orders have been imposed or in respect of whom special care orders have been made.
