I am aware of the appearance of Professor Hardwicke and Professor Goldson at the Joint Oireachtas Committee on 30 January.
I note that Professor Hardwicke referred to a telephone conversation he had with me on 21 December 2016, when broad national policy on youth justice was discussed. Any suggestion that this conversation, or any conversation between myself and the reviewers, in some way expanded upon, or amended the terms of reference of the Operational Review of Oberstown Children Detention Campus is incorrect.
I always take any opportunity presented to me to listen to and reflect on diverse views on youth justice issues in my role as Minister for Children and Youth Affairs. I was interested to hear the views of an international expert such as Professor Hardwicke on a number of broader policy issues, but no part of my conversation was intended to agree, alter or broaden the terms of reference that had been set by the Board.
I would like to emphasise that the Board of Management of Oberstown commissioned the Operational Review. The Board of Management decided the terms of reference. It would therefore be inappropriate for me or any of the officials in my Department to interfere with the agreements entered into by the Board and independent parties.
