New youth justice head appointed

Michelle Shannon, a senior official at the Department of Justice, has been appointed as the national director of the new Irish Youth Justice Service.

Her appointment was announced yesterday by Minister for Justice Michael McDowell and Minister for Children Brian Lenihan.

The youth justice service was established in December 2005 as an executive office of the Department of Justice to lead reforms in the youth justice system.

It will be responsible for the management of all detention facilities throughout the State for children under the age of 18. It will also implement the provisions of the Children Act 2001 in relation to community sanctions, restorative justice conferencing and diversion projects, and will establish and run a national youth justice oversight group and local youth justice teams.

Ms Shannon has worked in a number of senior positions since joining the department in 1994.

Most recently, she was head of human resources, but she has also been responsible for crime policy, and prisons and probation policy. She previously worked at the Department of Education in the youth and sports division and with the vocational education committees.

Mr McDowell said she brought talent and experience to the position and would have a significant role in developing the service. "Under her vigorous leadership and direction, the Irish Youth Justice Service will develop effective responses to the challenges of offending by young people."