Report highlights lack of young offender units

A large number of young offender criminal cases are being struck out because of a lack of secure places.

Figures published by the Dublin Children's Court this morning reveal 133 criminal cases were dismissed due to a lack of custodial places for offenders, according to the court’s annual report for 2001.

The statistics show that 684 bench warrants were issued, which, when compared to the higher courts, is about twice the incidence among adult offenders.

A court source told ireland.comthis was because offenders realise most offences will be dismissed because there is nowhere to send them if they are convicted. "They just don't bother showing up," the source said.

Twenty-two children were committed to what were formally known as industrial schools; a further 19 were sent to reformatory schools. These secure units are now called "special schools". Twenty-five children over 16 were sent to St Patrick’s Institution for young offenders.

There were 12,629 criminal matters before the courts, with over a fifth of the cases, at 2,570, relating to road traffic offences.

The Children’s Court deals with both civil and criminal matters concerning children and juveniles aged between ten and 17. All cases are held in camera.

The Labour Party justice spokesman, Mr Pat Rabbitte, said the figures confirm the Government's failure "to get to grips" with the problem of juvenile crime. "Despite repeated promises to act and some very high profile cases it is clear that substantial problems remain," he said.

"The need for youth facilities in the community and for rehabilitation programmes for young offenders is obvious," he said. "The new Minister for Justice, Michael McDowell cannot turn a blind eye to the devastation being caused for many local communities by the anti-social behaviour of young ringleaders for whom there are no suitable detention facilities."