Ms Emily Logan:

Numerous times. I have also met the chairman and other members of the board. This is not new for us, although momentum has been growing since the closure of St. Patrick's Institution.

In terms of training need assessment, I am subtly trying to encourage the committee to not accept everything without supporting evidence. I have received letters asserting that people are unable to look after 16 year olds and 17 year olds. As someone who has worked as a public servant for 31 years, I have never heard of anyone being trained to look after children only up to the age of 15 years. It is possible that the staff are viewing the situation through their own experience at Oberstown. As there have always been girls there up to the age of 18 years, we are referring specifically to boys. In my experience, there is no difference between a 15 year old boy and a 16 year old boy. I have worked with children for 30 years. I am unsure as to why this distinction was ever allowed to develop. I would challenge it.

I have no question about any change for any staff. I was a director at Tallaght hospital with 1,200 staff before I got this job and I am accustomed to managing change and bringing staff through change. It is important that people feel competent and upskilled when providing care for any group. I would suggest that it is an issue of upskilling as opposed to one of a lack of training in looking after children.