asked the Minister for Justice if he is aware that, in accordance with the provisions of section 13 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1960, concerning the detention of juveniles between 17 and 21 years of age, there are no provisions for the detention of female juveniles; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

It is not feasible, because of limitations of space, to provide segregation for young offenders in the existing women's prisons. The average number of girls under 21 in custody at any time is about ten though, of course, it is possible that the number would be greater if there was a separate unit to which younger female offenders could be committed. The plans for the proposed new women's prison, however, provide for the segregation in separate units of juvenile and adult female prisoners.