Aodhán Ó Ríordáin (Dublin North Central, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Ceann Comhairle for allowing me the opportunity to contribute. When I was elected to the House, I realised that positive announcements would be few and far between during our time in government. However, when the Minister announced last April that the practice of incarcerating children in St. Patrick's Institution was to end, I was proud of what we were achieving and I believed we were moving towards a new republic.

I visited the unit and met its residents and staff, but the report's findings are disgusting. Although Judge Michael Reilly is to be commended, why were the concerns of the Ombudsman for Children, Ms Emily Logan, regarding St. Patrick's Institution not heeded? Judge Reilly's report states:

I met a child on B Wing who was on 23 hour lock up. This child was quite fragile. He explained to me that he was now talking to himself.

It also states: "This was the first time that any prisoner, in any prison, had displayed such fear in my presence." Another part of the report states: "The bed clothes were dirty, the toilet was blocked and he had no running water."

By what date exactly will the practice of incarcerating children in St. Patrick's Institution come to an end? How will those who oversaw the maltreatment of children there be held to account for their actions?

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