Lenihan confirms St Pat’s to close but gives no time frame

THE Government yesterday confirmed that it plans to shut down St Patrick’s Institution — but it did not say when.

Minister for Children Brian Lenihan said there was “no resources difficulty and no legislative difficulty” in closing down St Patrick’s Institution for young offenders.

He said plans were underway for the development of child detention schools for all offenders up to the age of 18. But he said there was no time frame for the closure of St Patrick’s, which has come under severe criticism in recent weeks.