Youths sue over refusal of family visits at Oberstown

Four youths are suing the State, claiming their human rights have been breached by being refused family visits while being held in Oberstown Detention Centre near Lusk in north Dublin.

The cases follow disturbances and fire damage to the centre in August which led to some detainees allegedly having to be held in 23-hour lock-up, as well as allegedly being denied visits by family members. The High Court heard in September that, on the night of August 29/30, a number of boys got onto the roof of the centre and a fire broke out, rendering one unit useless and two others out of action while repairs were carried out.

The four who have brought proceedings seek declarations and damages claiming breach of European Convention rights to private and family life as a result of not being allowed visits.