Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire (Cork South Central, Sinn Fein)
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52. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will provide an update on the current situation in Oberstown; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39931/16]

Katherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent)
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Discussions are ongoing between Oberstown management and staff unions in relation to a number of issues and the Workplace Relations Commission is available to both parties to assist them in resolving matters.

In recent months the Oberstown Board of Management has commissioned an external independent review of operations and best practice of the Campus in the context of the many changes occasioned in the organisation, operation and management of the Campus in the past year. The reviewers have met with staff, management and children and also with me and officials of my department.

I have met with the local residents from Oberstown accompanied by local representatives. I have also been privileged to meet with the children, staff and management in Oberstown on a number of occasions since taking up my role as Minister for Children and Youth Affairs. This has allowed me the opportunity to inform myself directly of the work on the campus.

Management and my officials are doing their utmost to ensure a timely and satisfactory resolution is reached between all concerned parties.