Staff must be central to Oberstown review of operations – O’Brien

​Fianna Fail TD in Dublin Fingal, Darragh O’Brien has said the staff and management at the Oberstown youth detention facility must be at the core of the forthcoming review process.


In light of concerns and recent controversy a review of operations was ordered this week by the Board at the facility and will be carried out by two external experts.


Speaking on the decision, Deputy O’Brien said, “This review provides a critical opportunity to observe the standard of services that are being provided at the national facility. There have been a number of very violent incidents in the last year that have left both staff and children traumatised.


“The committed staff that are working in a challenging environment at Oberstown must be engaged with meaningfully to determine how best to make improvements. Their concerns regarding health and safety must be heard, strongly considered and an appropriate solution reached.


“HIQA’s report of the facility back in June proved a damning read and the significant deficits in staffing, psychiatric services and safety must now be adequately addressed,” added the Fianna Fail TD.


“I expect that this review will answer the very serious and important questions, which have been raised by staff over recent weeks. In the interest of all involved, the primary focus of this review must remain on moving forward to establish better quality practices.