Watchdog queries detention staff’s claims over lack of training

The Ombudsman for Children has queried concerns from staff on the campus of the Oberstown detention schools that they are not trained to deal with 16 and 17-year-old boys.

With the closure of St Patrick’s Institution for Young Offenders the Government has decided to use Wheatfield Prison in the interim to accommodate 17-year-olds, but there has also been a growing number of court referrals of children to Oberstown.

Last year Oberstown began receiving 16-year-old boys and speaking before the Oireachtas committee on health and children, Emily Logan said she had received a solicitor’s letter on behalf of a group of staff in Oberstown voicing their concerns.