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Legislative Council - Fifty-Second Parliament, Second Session (52-2)
2012-02-28 Daily Xml
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Ministerial Statement

CAVAN TRAINING CENTRE

The Hon. I.K. HUNTER (Minister for Communities and Social Inclusion, Minister for Social Housing, Minister for Disabilities, Minister for Youth, Minister for Volunteers) (14:39): I seek leave to make a ministerial statement on the Cavan youth training facility.

Leave granted.

The Hon. I.K. HUNTER: Shortly after 7pm last night, eight young offenders aged from 16 to 19 years of age escaped from the Cavan youth training centre. Police were immediately notified and engaged in a search for the escapees. Four of the offenders were recaptured last night. As of 12:45 today, another three offenders have been recaptured. Police are continuing to search for the remaining youth.

I have ordered a thorough investigation of the actions that led up to last night's escape. This has begun and is headed by the Manager of the Intelligence and Investigations Unit from Corrections. I am expecting a preliminary report will be provided to me on 9 March, with a final report expected on 23 March 2012. The events leading up to the escape, the responses to the escape and a review of the facility's security will form the key aspects of the review.

However, I can advise that the preliminary indication is that this was a well planned event and the youths involved had been preparing for the escape for some time. The youths were detained in two separate units at the time of the escape. It appears that they worked in collaboration to distract staff to facilitate their escape. They escaped through a hole cut in the courtyard fencing around each unit.

The appropriate staff ratios were in place at the time of the event. I am advised that, while some staff were upset by the events, no staff were physically injured. Staff who require support will be offered counselling. The maximum occupancy level of Cavan is 36 persons. The occupancy level at the time of the incident was 35, I am advised. I commend the police for their swift and professional response.

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