Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 June 2026
695. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the supports that have been given to staff in Oberstown Children Detention Campus to prevent industrial action; the steps her Department is taking to increase safe levels of staffing; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49081/26]
View answerThe Department of Children, Disability and Equality is aware that Fórsa has issued notice of industrial action at the Oberstown Children Detention Campus.
Ensuring the safety and wellbeing of both young people and staff at Oberstown continues to be the foremost priority for the Department and Oberstown management.
As the employer, Oberstown is engaging directly with staff representatives through established industrial relations processes, including the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC).
Oberstown management has put contingency arrangements in place, and this remains an operational matter for the campus leadership team.
The Department works in close collaboration with Oberstown to ensure staffing levels meet operational needs, to strengthen workforce planning, and to provide appropriate support to staff in what is a particularly demanding environment.
For 2026 Government provided €2.176 in additional funding for Oberstown to increase staffing levels, including funding for 11 additional whole-time equivalent staff posts. This includes additional Day Supervising Officers (support staff) and Assistant Unit Managers. In the first six months of 2026, Oberstown has been successful in recruiting the majority of those extra staff, despite tight labour market conditions.
There has also been a significant increase of €5.750 million in capital funding for Oberstown under the National Development Plan 2026-2030. This sustained investment reflects the Government’s commitment to ensuring the campus is properly resourced. Projects are underway that will alleviate occupancy pressures.
In addition, the Department is working with Oberstown Management to address staffing needs, including ongoing recruitment initiatives, ensuring that services are better equipped to meet the complex needs of the young people in their care and to support staff in their roles.
