Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I and other Deputies from the west, including the Minister of State's party colleagues from County Roscommon and elsewhere, are concerned about the decision to close Harristown House. Of the 100 people treated in the facility last year, 65% did not reoffend. What will happen to the young people the centre treats? Will they become involved in crime or addicted to drugs again? How do the Minister of State and the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform plan to deal with these people?

It is wrong to close down this facility without proper consideration. Irrespective of the decision of the board of management, the problems in the facility should have been resolved before the decision had to be made. Young people in the west will be back on the streets, taking drugs and reoffending. What will happen to their educational needs? Some of those treated in Harristown House could not read or write. What action will be taken to re-open the centre?

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