Joe Carey (Clare, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 31: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of 16 to 18 year old offenders in St. Patrick's Institution; the number of 18 to 21 year old offenders in St. Patrick's Institution; the number of places available in St. Patrick's Institution; his plans to address overcrowding in St. Patrick's Institution in the short, medium and long term; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46248/09]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I wish to inform the Deputy that on 7 December, 2009 there were 203 persons in custody in St. Patrick's Institution which has a bed capacity of 217. Of the 203 persons in custody, 49 persons were aged either 16 or 17 years of age and 154 persons were aged between 18 and 21 years of age.

St. Patrick's Institution is a closed, medium security place of detention for males aged 16 to 21 years of age and accommodates both remand and sentenced prisoners. It contains a special unit for 16 and 17 year olds. However, in the longer term the Irish Youth Justice Service, an executive office within my Department responsible for an integrated response to youth offending, will take responsibility for the detention facilities for all boys under 18 years of age.