§ Lady HermonTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what external investigations took place into the two escapes by young offenders from the Juvenile Justice Centre; how many managers were on duty within each unit from which an escape was made; and if he will make a statement on security at the centre. [179501]
§ Mr. SpellarThis is an operational responsibility of the Acting Chief Executive of the Youth Justice Agency of Northern Ireland (Artie O'Neill). He has advised me that no external investigations took place. However the Director of the Juvenile Justice Centre ordered two internal investigations and a number of recommendations for improving security were made. On each escape there were three managers on duty, one of whom was on-site. The Social Services Inspectorate subsequently reviewed the escape episodes and observed the additional security measures which had already been implemented.
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§ Lady HermonTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what access tho Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission (NIHRC) has had to the Juvenile Justice Centre since its opening; and if he will list(a) the representations received from the NIHRC and (b) the meetings the centre's director has had with commissioners. [179502]
§ Mr. SpellarThis is an operational responsibility of the Acting Chief Executive of the Youth Justice Agency of Northern Ireland (Artie O'Neill). He has advised me that the Director of Custody and other senior staff at the centre met with two investigators of the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission (NIHRC) on 13 January 2004. They were then given a tour of various parts of the centre. The NIHRC has written on a number of occasions requesting access to the Juvenile Justice Centre for the purpose of conducting a review. Appropriate access, taking account of the planned inspection of the centre by the Chief Inspector of Criminal Justice, has been offered.
§ Lady HermonTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland who is responsible for the running of the Juvenile Justice Centre; what the gender mix of management is at(a) weekends and (b) public holidays; and what qualifications they have in (i) social work and (ii) management. [179503]
§ Mr. SpellarThis is an operational responsibility of the Acting Chief Executive of the Youth Justice Agency of Northern Ireland (Artie O'Neill). He has advised me that the gender balance of on-site and on call managers varies according to the rota each weekend and public holiday. The centre strives to achieve a balance where possible. The on call managers are qualified staff. While there is no requirement for the on-site managers to be qualified in either social work or management, it should be emphasised that they do possess the necessary competences and experience to carry out their roles effectively. The Director of Custody is responsible for the day-to-day operational management of the Juvenile Justice Centre.