Parliamentary Question: Prison Accommodation

12th April 2001

194. Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the further progress which has taken place in regard to the provision of extra accommodation and support services for juvenile offenders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11222/01]
 
Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. O'Donoghue): This Government's prisons building programme includes special provision for purpose built accommodation exclusively for holding juveniles aged 16 to 17 years. This accommodation will be required under the Children Bill currently before the Oireachtas.

Detailed planning and preliminary site works are already at an advanced stage for the provision of a 40 place unit with full support facilities on a dedicated site adjacent to Cork Prison. Building work is expected to commence later this year on the main buildings in this new complex. The Prison Service is also examining a number of sites in the greater Dublin area with a view to providing a juvenile unit with full support facilities comprising separate secure accommodation for up to 20 female and up to 90 male young offenders.

The primary objective of these detention centres will be to provide a secure but supportive environment in which young offenders can develop the social skills necessary to avoid future offending. These new high quality, purpose built facilities will be the setting in which a progressive regime will be delivered tailored to the special needs of this group.