Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 592: To ask the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the number of persons under 18 years detained in prisons here; the number in each such institution in which they are held; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15557/10]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I wish to inform the Deputy that all male persons under the age of 18 years are detained in St. Patrick's Institution. On 16 April, 2010 there were 207 persons in custody in St. Patrick's Institution which has a bed capacity of 217. Of the 207 persons in custody, 51 persons were aged under 18 years of age. There are currently no females under the age of 18 years in custody in prisons. St. Patrick's Institution is a closed, medium security place of detention for males aged 16 to 21 years of age and accommodates both remand and sentenced prisoners. 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.