Joan Freeman (Independent)
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Thank you, Chairman. I thank the Minister for her presentation. I fully acknowledge that there has been major progress in Oberstown. However, I am still deeply concerned over certain areas. When Mr. Bergin was before the committee, many of us expressed concerns. I am keen to know whether progress has been made on certain points and, if not, I want to know about the timeframe for progress.

We have often spoken about separation, whereby a child is separated due to difficult behaviours. We have discovered that when they are separated there is no exercise, communication or family contact. I do not believe anyone has any idea about the serious impact this has on a child. Something as simple as taking an iPhone from a child at home in a normal environment can have serious consequences, to the point where sometimes the child contemplates suicide. Separation is really a terrible experience for these children and it is inhumane for them to have to go through it with restraints. What progress has been made in this regard? The term "as a last resort" is often used. What are the criteria for "as a last resort"? Have we looked at other countries where the authorities are in similar situations but handle things differently?

I welcome the fact that the Minister is meeting the young people. That is wonderful. I imagine everyone is aware that a report or review of adults will be singularly different from a report or review of children. One of the things I urge the Minister to talk about when she meets them is restraints. What is that like? What would they prefer to see happen? It is crucial that we involve our children. They know that they might have to be constrained in some way, but they should be allowed to be involved in that particular thing.

Complaints arise, like when Mr. Bergin was before the committee last time and we spoke about our serious concerns. What length of time does any of us have to see that real progress will be made on such issues? Is there a timeframe? Can we have follow-up on a more regular basis in respect of how progress is and can be made?