Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Senator for his generosity. I ask the Leader to arrange a discussion of the report by the Inspector of Prisons and Places of Detention, Judge Michael Reilly, on St. Patrick's Institution. The report was delayed for three months before being released on the night of a soccer match alongside reports on other prisons. It was a significant report but it was unfair to those prison officers who do an excellent job in difficult circumstances without giving them a right to reply.

On "Morning Ireland" the Minister for Justice and Equality was given plenty of time to reply but he failed to acknowledge the difficult work carried out by the majority of prison officers. The officers in Oberstown have received no training in dealing with juvenile offenders. There is a lack of balance both in the presentation of the issues and the Minister's defence of his own staff. He seems to have no regard for their position and they are being condemned without proper recourse to law. It is difficult to manage one's defence when the Minister can speak on the radio. The report is worthwhile, however, and Judge Reilly has been efficient in visiting the prison without advance notice. I commend the Ombudsman for Children on the position she has taken on the issue and welcome that the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs has given her powers to meet young offenders.

Fr. Flanagan from Ballymoe on the border of counties Galway and Roscommon founded Boys Town in the USA. He would turn in his grave if these allegations prove to be truthful. Bullying and intimidation should not be allowed in any prison in a developed country like Ireland. A solution will be found, however. St. Patrick's should be closed but alternatives will need to be put in place beforehand.