Question on expediting development of Oberstown facility for young offenders

QUESTION NO: 459

DÁIL QUESTION addressed to the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Ms. Fitzgerald)
by Deputy Thomas Pringle
for WRITTEN ANSWER on 09/07/2013

* To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will provide a time frame for the completion of the young offenders’ facility in Oberstown in north County Dublin, including the transfer of all minors to this facility; and if she will consider expediting its completion in view of the decision to transfer all current inmates to Wheatfield Prison, Dublin..

Thomas Pringle T.D.

REPLY.
The Oberstown capital project is required in order to give effect to the Programme for Government commitment to end the practice of detaining children in adult prison facilities. I have outlined my commitment to this project on many different occasions and it remains at the top of my agenda.

The Deputy will be aware that shortly after taking responsibility for the children’s detention schools last year, I introduced the legislative changes to transfer responsibility for 16 year old boys from St. Patrick’s Institution to Oberstown. I also put in place the required funding package for the major capital development of the Oberstown facilities. My officials have, in conjunction with the Office of Public Works, completed the design process and secured planning permission for the capital development. The tender process is ongoing at present and this is being overseen by a steering group of officials from my Department and the Office of Public Works. A further announcement on the outcome of the tendering process will be made shortly.

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