Children’s Minister Katherine Zappone backs Oberstown bosses

Children’s Minister Katherine Zappone said she has great faith in the management at Oberstown youth detention campus despite four teenage boys bringing legal challenges over being kept in solitary confinement following at riot at the site.

A fourth boy lodged his High Court challenge yesterday. The teen, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, claims that since a blaze broke out at the campus last month, he had been confined to a room, given basic food, and refused access to others.

He also claims his access to recreation, education, reading materials, and family visits were withheld.