Social Policy Minister Marie Louise Coleiro-Preca said this morning that young people in YOURS - the young offenders’ section, were “idle and unproductive” because of a lack of activities.

Speaking to the media after a visit to the section this morning, Notary Coleiro-Preca said that her visit was aimed at hearing what was going on at the section from the horse’s mouth.

She said it was unacceptable that people under 18 were in prison without a care plan. “We will do our utmost so that whoever commits mistakes shoulders responsibility but is given enough support to get on the right track.”

She criticised the lack of activities at the section saying that most young offenders spent their time with a playstation and watching television. They only had English lessons twice a week and music lessons irregularly.

Notary Coleiro Preca said the government was committed to find solutions for the young people who found themselves at the centre and treat the problem from the root.

Most, she said, ended there because of social and economic shortcomings and the government was committed.

She noted that a 19-year-old had been at the centre four times and said this showed the need for a continuity care plan.

She commended, however, that a young drug victim who found himself at the section because he committed theft, was clean by the end of his term.