A judge yesterday ordered that a 14-year-old-boy be sent to a juvenile detention centre, despite hearing the centre was full.
At the Dublin Children's Court, Judge Michael Connellan ordered that the boy be remanded in custody to Oberstown Boys Centre, despite hearing that it did not have a spare bed for the youth. In the event of him being turned away, the case will go to the High Court, the judge said.
Judge Connellan said the courts could not be blamed for a failing on the part of the Government. "It is the Government that does not provide adequate and sufficient places for young people," he said. The boy, who is from west Dublin, was arrested on Tuesday for missing a court appearance in relation to other charges. The court heard the youth has no fixed abode and is a regular user of drugs.
Judge Connellan said he wanted the child's father to be notified about his son. He also asked for him to appear in court when the case returns next week.