Denise Mitchell (Dublin Bay North, Sinn Fein)
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30. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she is satisfied with the most recent HIQA report into Oberstown child detention campus and the progress made at the centre; her views on whether additional resources are required in order for the centre to meet HIQA compliance standards; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45723/18]

Katherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent)
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I welcome the most recent inspection report from the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) into Oberstown Children Detention Campus, which was published on the 9th of October. HIQA had conducted a full inspection over five days, last March, and this report was the outcome of that inspection.

This report acknowledges that having undergone major change over the past few years, the campus is now enjoying a period of relative stability. Overall the inspection found that, where the focus of campus management and resources had been applied to address identified issues within the campus, improvements were evident.

I note the improvements in the management of challenging behaviours and a reduction in the use of restrictive practices found by this report (a reduction of 56% when compared to 2017 report).

I also welcome the management of risk, health and safety and other important changes in the development of the new management structures at Oberstown.

I also note that HIQA has raised issues for improvement. These include up-to-date training for staff in fire safety, adherence to placement planning system procedures to ensure comprehensive assessment of children’s needs and risks, and deficits in the recording, monitoring and management oversight of some restrictive practices.

In this regard, I welcome the very comprehensive Action Plan, which has been agreed between HIQA and Oberstown Management. This outlines the range of issues raised which will be addressed, following the timescale outlined in the agreed Action Plan. There has not been a request from Oberstown for additional resources to  deliver this Action Plan.

I see this Plan as one of the ongoing measures which will bring about positive change in Oberstown and make it a safer environment for both young people and staff.