No place to house young offenders

THE majority of young offenders are released back on to the streets because there is no space in detention centres.

Figures released by the Court Service show six out of every 10 applications made by judges in 2001 to place juveniles in special units were turned down. The number of refusals has risen by 400% since 2000. The young offenders, many with a long list of convictions, are released back on to the streets, where they commit further offences.

It also emerged yesterday that a secure unit to house trouble teenagers is still not ready, seven months after it was due to open.

There was also confusion as to who exactly will be placed in St Patrick’s Special School in Dublin.

The school, costing 9m, was set up to take 14 and 15-year-old joyriders and other troublemakers off the streets. The 20 places at the school were supposed to address the chronic shortage of secure places for a hardcore of young offenders.

Former Justice Minister John O’Donoghue announced the new school last April as the Government’s key short-term response to joyriding, prompted by the deaths of two gardaí in one incident.

However, Minister of State with responsibility for Children Brian Lenihan yesterday said the school may not now be suitable for 14 and 15-year-olds.

“I don’t think it’s the most appropriate place. Many experts have told us they’re not suitable for persons under the age of 16. It may be they have to be used for 16 and 17-year-olds involved in this type of offence.”

A Department of Justice spokesman confirmed the school was initially intended for 14 and 15-year-olds. He said Justice Minister Michael McDowell would be going to Government to decide how best to use the facility.

A spokesman for the Prison Service said a decision had yet to be made on the age category for the school. He said the centre should be ready in about a month.

Department of Education figures show the number of places available at its five special schools has fallen from 162 to 130.

A department spokesman said a number of initiatives would bring the number back to original levels.

Meanwhile, gardaí were still searching for three joyriders who checked themselves out of hospital following a high-speed crash.

The three were travelling in a stolen Nissan Micra on the M1 when they crashed into a roundabout at 11.25pm on Tuesday.

A 27-year-old and a 15-year-old were taken to Beaumont Hospital for treatment. A 16-year-old, who garda believe was driving the car, fled, but was later arrested. He was taken to hospital for treatment.

The three had earlier appeared in Drogheda court in connection with a robbery. They stole a car to get back to Dublin, stopping off in Co Meath to rob a house.