Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Photocall Ireland!

Bed available at Oberstown for young boy following judge's comments

The Minister for Children was asked to appear at the Children’s Court this morning by Justice Anne Ryan.

THE YOUNG BOY who was the subject of comments by Judge Anne Ryan in the Children’s Court this morning has been arrested.

He was detained this afternoon on foot of the bench warrant issued earlier. According to the Courts Service, a bed became available for him at Oberstown Boys School. He has been remanded in detention until next Thursday.

During a hearing today, Justice Ryan strongly criticised the Department of Children and Youth Affairs for failing to provide enough detention places for juvenile defenders.

She had requested Minister Frances Fitzgerald to appear in court but two of her representatives attended in her place. They were told that explanations on the lack of beds for juvenile offenders were “not good enough”, reports RTÉ News.

“Get those eight beds open now please,” she said.

According to Justice Ryan, there have been 18 occasions in the past three weeks that the courts have been unable to detain children charged with serious offences because of a lack of spaces in detention facilities.

Last year, Minister Fitzgerald ordered that no child under the age of 16 should be sent to St Patrick’s Institution. Work on a new facility at Oberstown is yet to begin and it is not expected to be completed until mid-2014.

Today, the Minister said there are currently 36 beds available at Oberstown, higher than the average number of referrals from the Children’s Courts last year. She added that there is work being undertaken currently to open a new eight-bed unit at the facility.

“I can’t give you precise dates, but I would hope with the cooperation of the staff…we should move to a position in the near future.”

Fitzgerald claims that demand varies and places are flexible at the three units in Oberstown – Trinity House School, Oberstown Boys School and Oberstown Girls School.

Problems identified by child protection inspectors

Children’s Minister ‘constantly amazed’ at lack of basic services

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

Close
62 Comments
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Brian Ward
    Favourite Brian Ward
    Report
    Jun 17th 2013, 7:59 AM

    Finlay said: “Protest is a good thing, it’s part of a democracy to be able to share your views of what particular issues you want to highlight, but to do so peacefully.”

    *Whispers under breath* “Unless you’re Catholic, Nationalist or Republican in which case you’re fair game.”

    24
Submit a report
Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
Thank you for the feedback
Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.
JournalTv
News in 60 seconds