Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Much work has gone on. There was a possibility of a change to the arrangements in the girls' unit, but although the numbers are currently low, it is not feasible suddenly to designate it as a male unit. We thought that might be a solution, but following further discussions with a number of bodies, it was decided not to go in that direction. We are relying on the resolution of the HR issues and getting some new staff to create those extra spaces as soon as possible.

We must understand that detention is the last resort for young people in Ireland, so it would be important to examine that increase in referrals. The courts have an absolute right to determine cases, but we need to understand the reasons for the underlying rise in referrals and what is happening at community level in terms of supervision and Garda diversion programmes. We have 100 such programmes, which are very effective. We will address this area as well.