The director of reformatories has been asked to check on the availability of places before running away juveniles sentenced by the courts. The Minister of State for Education, Mr Bernard Allen, said two places were vacant at Oberstown House, Lusk, Co Dublin, which could have been used for a 15 year old boy sentenced on January 12th to four years detention, but he was taken to nearby Trinity House, which was full, and was turned away.
Mr Allen said there was pressure on space for 14-16 year old male offenders and plans were in hand to create an extra 30 places.