Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 February 2017
702. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the extent to which adequate accommodation remains available or is likely to become available in respect of juvenile offenders with particular reference to future and current needs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7441/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraCurrently, Oberstown Children Detention Campus (Oberstown) is licensed to provide up to 54 places for young people ordered to be remanded in custody or committed to serve a sentence of detention by the courts (48 boys and 6 girls). This provides places for girls up to the age of 18, for boys up to the age of 18 who are remanded in custody and up to the age of 17 who are sent by the courts to serve a sentence of detention. Boys aged 17 are sentenced to detention in Wheatfield Place of Detention. In accordance with Government policy it is intended to end the practice shortly of detaining children in adult prison facilities when a number of additional units become operational extending the capacity on the Oberstown campus.
Oberstown operates a twenty four hour bed management service for children detention places, with the aim of having the maximum degree of coordination in this area. This service is available at all times to courts, the Probation Service and An Garda Síochána to assess the up to date position with regard to the availability of places. This is a demand led service and every effort is made to meet the needs of the courts in this area.
