A PLEDGE to end the practice of sending children to St Patrick’s detention centre in the new Programme for Government has been given a guarded but sceptical welcome by the Irish Penal Reform Trust (IPRT).

“There is evidence that points to the fact that Bishop Magee, as the responsible person, did not faithfully report actual compliance with child protection procedures, and the manner in which clerical sexual abuse allegations have been dealt with,” Minister of State for Children and Youth Affairs Barry Andrews declared.

THE Labour party said urgent action was needed to combat irresponsible parents of unruly children after it revealed that key pieces of legislation have not been used by the courts.