asked the Minister for Education the reason for the delay in opening the new building in Finglas to replace Marlborough House; and when it is likely to be opened.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Marlborough House Replacement.
27.
The date of the opening of St. Laurence's Centre, Finglas, in the first instance as a remand and assessment centre, is dependent on the satisfactory conclusion of discussions with regard to the appropriate provision to be made in the future for certain of the boys at present being sent to Marlborough House. I am hoping that decisions in relation to the matters at issue may be reached within the next fortnight.
The Minister did not say when he hopes to open the new place at Finglas. He will recall that the Kennedy Report said that conditions in Marlborough House were so appalling that it should be closed down forthwith and therefore would he take a personal interest in seeing that the new institution is opened as rapidly as possible? Could he give a date?
The Deputy may take it that I am taking a personal interest in it. I have pointed out that we have had some difficulty in relation to certain matters and I am hoping that decisions may be reached in relation to this within the next fortnight. I will open it as quickly as possible after that.
Has the Minister visited Marlborough House himself?
I am aware of the situation in Marlborough House.
The Minister obviously has not visited it.
That is a separate question.
(Interruptions.)
Can the Minister state how long discussions have been going on on the questions which he says are still at issue?
They have been going on for some time. I had hoped that the Finglas building would be opened some time ago but unfortunately we ran into some difficulty and I was not able to have it opened as early as I would like. Deputies can be assured that I am particularly interested in this matter and I am very anxious to have the building opened as quickly as possible.
Question No. 28.
Was it the builder?
Is it a building problem?
It is not a matter of the building.
Is it a staff problem?
No.
This is not a cross-examination.
Surely the Minister should tell us. There is widespread concern over this.
I am only too well aware of——
The public concern.
And of my own concern.