Joe Carey (Clare, Fine Gael)

I welcome the Minister of State to the House. I also welcome the progress made in respect of juvenile justice in latter years. The concerns regarding the proposed housing of juveniles in Thornton Hall are well founded. As a minimum, the proposed facilities should be delivered ahead of the Thornton Hall development. Given that the land is owned by the State and given its history, there should be no problem with planning permission.

That the Minister of State's intention is to have juveniles housed in Thornton Hall is deeply concerning to children's rights groups and others. In light of the economic climate, will he give a commitment to the effect that the holding of juveniles in Thornton Hall will not become a permanent fixture?

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