The Deputy is referring to the Finglas Children's Centre, one of the five special schools for young offenders under the aegis of my Department. The Deputy requested very detailed statistical information concerning the centre covering a four year period. I informed the Deputy on 6 December that the information was not readily available in my Department and that I had arranged for it to be collated and forwarded to her as soon as possible. This involved contact with the management of the centre and subsequent checking of the data supplied by it. The information is now available and I have arranged for it to be transmitted to the Deputy this week.
There is a number of factors which have impacted on the operation of the Finglas centre in recent times. A major programme of capital redevelopment works has been undertaken at the centre in the past 18 months. This chiefly involved the conversion of the old dormitory style accommodation to meet modern standards. These works have significantly reduced the capacity of the centre and caused considerable disruption for both the young people in care and the staff. The centre has had to cater for severely disturbed children also during this period.
I am aware that the Finglas centre has had a high staff turnover in recent times. This experience is mirrored throughout the entire residential child care area where there are difficulties in recruiting and retaining experienced staff. I understand that current recruitment drives have generated a better level of response than previous ones and it is expected that the majority of vacancies will be filled shortly. I have also secured agreement for an independent review of existing child care staffing levels and reporting arrangements in the centres, including Finglas. This review will indicate the staffing levels and structures required to enable each centre provide a high quality and caring service to its residents in an efficient and economic manner.
There is also a need to ensure that there are adequate places available to accommodate children who have been convicted or placed on remand by a court. I have commissioned an independent audit of the residential requirements for young offenders. The purpose of this audit is to ensure that there are sufficient and appropriate residential places available to meet the needs of the target group into the future. The audit will also indicate if existing places, including those in the Finglas facility, are being used optimally. In addition, the recently established Special Residential Services Board will have a role to play in ensuring the efficient and co-ordinated delivery of services for the young people concerned.
Additional Information.I am conscious of the overriding need to ensure that the quality of care provided by my Department's centres for young offenders, including the Finglas facility, meets recognised standards. To this end, it is my intention that each centre will be independently inspected by an external agency as soon as possible. Independent inspection will give assurance concerning the standard of care being provided, the efficacy of the systems and procedures being followed and the efficiency of each centre's operations. My Department has consulted the centres and the social services inspectorate on this matter and I expect to commission a pilot inspection of one of the centres shortly as a first step in this process. I am confident that independent inspection will identify any weaknesses that may exist and give confidence that the children concerned are being cared for in a manner that accords with established best practice.