§ Lembit ÖpikTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when the Juvenile Justice Centre at Lisnevin, Millisle, County Down will close; why the closure has been delayed; how many admissions there have been to Lisnevin since November 2000; and if he will make a statement. [121587]
98W
§ Mr. Paul MurphyThe Juvenile Justice Centre at Lisnevin, Millisle, County Down will close by the end of August 2003 following the transfer of the children during that month to the newly refurbished accommodation in Bangor. Ultimately, the closure of Lisnevin is dependent on ensuring the provision of safe and secure accommodation, and appropriate facilities and staffing levels at the centre in Bangor. While this has taken longer than originally anticipated because of the complexity of the refurbishment exercise, the additional time is being used to good effect in ensuring that these necessary arrangements are in place.
Since November 2000, there have been 695 admissions to Lisnevin.
A statement will be made announcing the opening of the refurbished centre and the closure of Lisnevin nearer the time.