Root and branch re-think on State’s treatment of young offenders is essential – Troy

Posted by Robert Troy TD

Root and branch re-think on State’s treatment of young offenders is essential – Troy

Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Children Robert Troy has said that severity and graphic nature of the report into St. Patrick’s Institution must be treated with the utmost seriousness. He commented: “The detention of 17 year olds at St. Patrick’s should cease immediately and they should be transferred to Oberstown or other appropriate rehabilitation facilities. The focus must shift from simple punishment to rehabilitation.

Deputy Troy said: “We can no longer wait for the May 2014 deadline. The report into St. Patrick’s Institution has called for a review of this timeline and I will support any initiative Minister Shatter or Minister Fitzgerald seek to put in place to provide an appropriate setting for these vulnerable young people. No child should ever be detained at St. Patrick’s again. This is the first time a report has identified that the human rights of young people were being seriously violated by the conditions at St. Patrick’s Institution.

“I think it is important to remember that these are children first and young offenders second. Of course where criminal offences take place the appropriate sanction must be applied but we must have a system in place that will rehabilitate young people back into society, and one that is not simply focussed on detention. It is clear from the Inspector of Prisons’ report that far from rehabilitating offenders St. Patrick’s Institution has hardened many prisoners and allowed drug abuse to foster in a completely unsuitable environment for children.

“I want to commend the Inspector of Prison for his report. His dogged and determined efforts to get to the bottom of what has really been going on at St. Patrick’s Institution shows a great commitment to public service and the welfare and right of children.”