Fiach MacConghail (Independent)

Yes, I have two questions, a Leas-Chathaoirligh, and thank you for reminding me. They relate to this issue. Before I ask the questions I will mention the proposal for Oberstown. The programme for Government includes a proposal to build a detention centre there but there has been no final decision on it. I know funding for the project is being investigated.

My two questions are these. First, can the Leader ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs for an update on the Oberstown capital project to house children in detention? Second, I ask the Leader to lead a call from the Seanad to extend the power and remit of the Ombudsman for Children to hear complaints from children held in prison, on the same basis as children detained elsewhere. This issue emerged in the Ryan report. Children are detained in St. Patrick's Institution. This is why the Children's Rights Alliance, whose former chief executive is our colleague Senator Jillian van Turnhout, gave an F grade to the Government. To give this extended remit to the ombudsman would be a simple cost effective measure. It would not cost €60 million or €100 million. The Ombudsman for Children's should hear complaints and should be able to listen to children who are detained in adult institutions.