Breeda Moynihan-Cronin (Kerry South, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 183: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the changes that have been made in ministerial responsibility for detention centres for children; if her Department retains any responsibility with regard to the educational needs of young people in these centres; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5083/07]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

On 13 December 2005 the Government approved youth justice reforms following a review carried out by the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform. The rationale for these changes is to provide leadership and restructuring of the delivery of the State's services in the area of youth justice which, up to now, were dealt with by several Departments and agencies. It is intended that these changes will result in the establishment of a modern and progressive youth justice system.

These changes will result in responsibility for four of the children detention schools, other than for the provision of education services, transferring from my Department to the Irish Youth Justice Service, an executive office of the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform. The fifth children detention school will transfer to the Health Service Executive. The transfer of responsibility will take effect from 1 March 2007.

My Department will retain responsibility for the provision of education services in the schools. The proposals provide for a change in the way education is delivered from the current primary school model to delivery by the relevant VEC. The rationale for this is based on the Department's view that the VEC model is best placed to meet the needs of adolescent children. The Deputy should also note that, under the proposals approved by Government, my Department will be preparing an education strategy, the aim of which is to ensure a continuum of education and training opportunities for children in the special care and detention school sectors. It is intended that the strategy will be developed and completed during 2007.