§ 14. Mr. GogginsTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on developments in the treatment of young offenders. [117384]
§ Mr. IngramThe report of the Review of the Criminal Justice system in Northern Ireland was published on 30 March 2000. The report puts forward almost 300 recommendations covering all aspects of the criminal justice system, including a number which deal directly with arrangements for young people who offend. The Government are now consulting with the political parties, the Irish Government, members of the public and those 189W working within the criminal justice system. I would welcome my hon. Friend's contribution to the debate on these important issues.
In a separate exercise, a departmental review of the juvenile justice centre estate has been published for consultation. The purpose of this exercise is to determine the number and location of juvenile justice centres needed against a background of a reduced custody population. The consultation period will extend over three months.