Fitzgerald defends position after Judge criticises lack of detention facilities

The Children's Minister said a 300% increase in young people being referred to detention facilities, caused the system to run out of places.

Frances Fitzgerald has been defending her position, after a Judge criticised the government for failing to have enough facilities for children charged with serious crimes.

Judge Anne Ryan called on the Minister to come to court and give reasons as why there is an acute lack of places for juvenile offenders.

Minister Fitzgerald said the Oberstown Detention school has been opened in the past two years, but the numbers needing it have soared.

She said that two years ago, there were only ten 16-year-olds referred by the courts.

"Last year there was an average of 21 daily occupancy there and this year it went to 31," said Minister Fitzgerald.

"We have 36 places out there and they're filled as we speak so what has happened is that we have responded to almost all of the requests last year and this year until recently

"If you look back over the years there has been almost a 300% increase in the referrals from the courts of 16-year-olds."