I propose to take Questions Nos. 244 to 246, inclusive, 248, 252 and 253 together.
I am advised by Oberstown Children Detention Campus that there were 103 incidents of injuries to staff in 2018, 25 of which related to assaults on staff. I am advised by Oberstown that the other 78 incidents of injuries to staff consisted of injuries sustained during a restraint, approved sporting activities and environmental injuries.
In relation to the number of staff assaulted in the years 2016-2018, please see below:
2016
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2017
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2018
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40 assaults on 35 staff
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41 assaults on 38 staff
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25 assaults on 20 staff
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In relation to PQ number 189 of February 6th, 2019, I am also advised that of the 18 incidents of assault that resulted in no lost days in 2018, 3 staff members involved in these incidents were on probation.
For the purpose of record keeping, a weapon is defined by Oberstown as any implement or item that potentially can be used to cause harm or injury to a staff member or young person and are recorded as assaults with weapons.