Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Wednesday, 17 July 2013

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health and Children

Young People in Detention: Discussion with the Ombudsman for Children.

4:10 pm

Photo of Jerry ButtimerJerry Buttimer (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I wish to add something regarding the second paragraph of Ms Logan's statement. I do not mean to put her on the spot but, given the increase in court referrals to detention centres, are we using detention as opposed to community-based sanctions as the first rather than last resort? I was struck by the commentary by some of those who administer the justice system. They seem to be sending people into institutions at the flick of a switch instead of exploring other avenues. I will stand corrected if I am wrong.

I compliment Ms Logan on her advocacy role and her invaluable work. It is important that her work be recognised by the committee. For this reason, we were anxious to have her attend as soon as possible. Given my preparations for this meeting and having listened to Ms Logan, it strikes me that the only method we are using is to send people to place X.

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