HSE job freeze affecting juvenile detention system

SIPTU has claimed that on-going recruitment restrictions by the HSE are affecting the capacity of the juvenile detention system.

Last week, a 13-year-old boy accused of possessing almost €1,000 worth of drugs was released under a banning order because there were no places available at the National Remand and Assessment Centre in north Dublin.

SIPTU spokesman Paul Bell claims there are actually six available beds, but they are not being funded because of a decision by the Department of Justice and the situation is being made worse by the HSE recruitment embargo.