Children in court

Madam, - Child detention schools are a necessary evil. Many young children know the only way they will get a place in care is to come before the courts: in many cases local authorities are forced to make provision for children when they appear before the courts.

I call on the Minister for Justice to examine health board policy in terms of providing places for children. Sadly, the places which should be special places of last resort for youngsters with special needs are the places of only resort. - Yours, etc.,

Cllr NOEL COLLINS,

Midleton,

Co Cork.