Joe Carey (Clare, Fine Gael)
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Question 377: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of offenders currently held in St. Patrick's Institution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22440/09]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I wish to inform the Deputy that on 4 June, 2009 there were 223 persons in custody in St. Patrick's Institution which has a bed capacity for 217 offenders. St. Patrick's Institution is a closed, medium security place of detention for males aged 16 to 21 years of age, accommodating both remand and sentenced prisoners, serving sentences up to life. It contains a special unit for 16 and 17 year olds, however in the longer term the Irish Youth Justice Service, an executive office within my Department responsible for an integrated response to youth offending, will take responsibility for the detention facilities for all boys under 18 years of age.