Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 25 September 2014
153. Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if his attention has been drawn to complaints regarding the treatment of clients and the use of funds at Oberstown campus, County Dublin; if he will investigate the matter. [36259/14]
View answerI assume the Deputy's reference to clients concerns children in custody in the children detention schools.
I am not aware of any complaints regarding the treatment of children and the use of funds at the Oberstown campus. There are complaint mechanisms available to children who are in custody in Oberstown. The campus has a designated liaison officer who is available to all children and reviews any complaints made by young people. The Ombudsman for Children's Office has engaged with the Campus Manager in Oberstown on their role in the complaints process. Complaints may also be with made to by a child to advocacy services such as Empowering People in Care (EPIC). The Oberstown campus is also subject to review and audit under the normal public financial procedures. In the absence of more detailed information it is not possible to comment further. If the Deputy has information about any specific matter I will arrange for it to be examined by my Department in conjunction with management on the Oberstown campus.
