Crime by released youths slammed by TDs

LIMERICK TDs yesterday called for greater communication between local gardaí and detention centres following claims that young offenders are causing havoc by committing crimes in the city while out on temporary release at weekends.

One boy who was recently locked up for two years but who is released most weekends continues to commit crimes.

"He commits crime when he is left out of the detention centre and then just goes back. It is a joke and the system has to be changed," said one garda.

Gardaí in Limerick point out they have no say in whether or not an offender is granted temporary release.

"Our job is to prevent crime, detect it and make arrests," said a spokesman.

Labour Deputy Jan O'Sullivan has written to the Department of Justice urging the need for contact between local gardaí and places of detention.

"From what I am told a lot of juvenile offenders are left out at weekends and frequently crimes are committed. Often a young person who commits a crime while on temporary release is allowed out again the following weekend.

"I believe there should be a connection between their behaviour when they are out on temporary release and their subsequent release. If people offend the Prison Service should take account when further releases are considered.

"There has to be contact between places of detention and local garda stations in relation to young people being released on a regular basis, committing crimes and, and that having no bearing on their subsequent release," she said.

Fianna Fáil's Deputy Peter Power also expressed "ongoing concerns" about lack of communication between gardaí and detention centres.

"There should be in constant contact and in today's technological age it shouldn't be beyond the bounds of the Prison Service and gardaí to communicate effectively," he said.