Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 4 July 2017
43. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the status of the various reports into Oberstown juvenile detention centre; the reports which have been completed; when she plans to publish all reports; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31223/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Oberstown Board of Management commissioned independent reviews in 4 key areas as follows: Operations, Security, Health and Safety and Behaviour Management.
The reports relating to the reviews of Security and Health and Safety have been issued to the relevant stakeholders involved in Oberstown by the Director as per terms of references. The review of Behaviour Management is still in progress, however it is understood the Board of Management intend to publish the report of that review as soon as it is finalised. The Review of Operations has also been concluded and following consideration of legal advice to the Board it has decided to publish the recommendations of the review report at an early date.
I have established an Implementation Group tasked with analysing and prioritising the recommendations from the review reports, taking account of policy and resource parameters, with a view to implementing the recommendations as appropriate, to support the development of Oberstown so it can provide the best possible care to children referred there by the courts. The Implementation Group will report regularly on progress to me and to the Oberstown Board of Management. The Group, chaired by Professor Kilkelly, includes representatives of Oberstown staff and management, the Oberstown Board of Management, a child development expert and also representatives of the IMPACT trade union and my Department.
My paramount objective for Oberstown is the safety and well-being of the children, the staff working in Oberstown and the people living in the local community. I believe that good progress has been made and the implementation of the recommendations of the 4 review reports will bring about further improvements.
