Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 July 2015
288. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the position on the Oberstown campus transition; his views that the children there are adequately supported; that the staff there are adequately supported; if he will publish the McIlfatrick report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27540/15]
View answerThere is a commitment in the Programme for Government to end the practice of detaining children in adult prison facilities. A number of actions have been taken on foot of this commitment. These include the gradual transition of responsibility for older children to the Oberstown campus, the construction of the expanded detention facilities, the introduction of cross - campus procedures and staffing rosters, the introduction of a single campus management structure and the first recruitment programme for new care staff in many years. More broadly, these changes have taken place in parallel with the important agenda of public sector reform under the Croke Park and Haddington Road Agreements. As for other areas of the public service, this has created challenges. However, I am confident that as these challenges are overcome, there will be a secure foundation for the children detention service into the future. Working in concert with the Oberstown Board of Management, I am committed to the best possible support for both children in custody and the staff that deliver this important service.
In the case of children in custody, a number of initiatives have been put in place in recent years to build on the child focused model of detention in Oberstown. An advocacy service has been introduced under the aegis of the Empowering Children in Care organisation (EPIC) which is available to each child in detention. In addition, the Assessment, Consultation and Therapy Service (ACTS) has been introduced. This is a shared multi-disciplinary service with Tusla, the Child and Family Agency which allows for each child to be screened on admission for any therapeutic supports that may be required. A pilot project is also underway this year involving the provision of a dedicated package of pre and post release supports to a number of young people by the Youth Advocates Programme Ireland organisation (YAP). This is in addition to the normal support services provided via care worker staff and management and the education staff employed the Dublin and Dun Laoghaire Education and Training Board. Finally, a new education and training building is due to be opened for children for the September school year, which has been provided under the Oberstown capital development programme.
In the case of the staff on the Oberstown campus, new supports are being provided in the form of new physical detention buildings and the first recruitment programme on the Oberstown campus in many years, including expanded nursing cover for children. This programme has also included internal promotion opportunities for existing staff on the campus. I understand that in the past year, the Oberstown management has engaged staff in a new Health, Safety and Welfare Committee and a new Policy and Operations Consultative Committee. There is also extensive interaction between management and staff on the Oberstown campus on the secure operation of the facility, safeguarding practices for children and staff health, safety and welfare issues. I recognise that there are frequent industrial relations issues on the Oberstown Campus, which to a degree may be seen in the context of the large degree of organisational changes being experienced on that site at present. These issues are being pursued through normal industrial relations structures through negotiations which are taking place with staff representatives. If required there is also scope for recourse to third party conciliation and if required, adjudication by the Labour Court under the Haddington Road Agreement.
The report referred to by the Deputy was commissioned in 2013 and related to care issues and operational issues on the Oberstown campus. The report is the subject of a human resources process on the Oberstown campus. This process is ongoing and I am advised that no steps can be taken at this time which could be interpreted as prejudicial to this process.
I also note that the recent inspection of the Oberstown campus by HIQA has resulted in an agreed action plan being developed and implemented on the Oberstown campus. This will also ensure safe and secure custody and operation of the Oberstown facility for both children and staff, in line with best care practice. I wish to record my full support for the robust inspection framework that is in place under the Children Act 2001 and delivered by HIQA.
