Eoin Ó Broin (Dublin Mid West, Sinn Fein)
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340. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if there are plans to increase capacity at a detention centre (details supplied) given recent cases in which places were required but were not available and the safety issues that arise as a result; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45691/24]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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The maximum number of children that can be detained in Oberstown Children Detention Campus at any time is set by the Minister by way of a Certificate issued under sections 195 and 196 of the Children Act 2001.

In accordance with section 195 of the Children Act 2001, the maximum number of children who may be detained in Oberstown Children Detention Campus shall be 46 to include a maximum of 40 boys and 6 girls.

Under Section 96 of the Children Act 2001 detention of children is to be used as a last resort. The number of children in detention in Ireland has reduced significantly in recent decades. This is in part facilitated by the existence of a range of alternatives to detention such as the Bail Supervision Scheme and the Garda Youth Diversion Programme.

Furthermore the Youth Justice Strategy 2021 - 2027 includes a commitment to implement a research based assessment of likely demands for Detention places and services and the consequent resource requirements to inform future strategic options as well as ongoing planning, budgeting and service development.

Eoin Ó Broin (Dublin Mid West, Sinn Fein)
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341. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of places that are currently available and being used in a detention centre (details supplied). [45692/24]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
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The maximum number of children that can be detained in Oberstown Children Detention Campus at any time is set by the Minister by way of a Certificate issued under sections 195 and 196 of the Children Act 2001.

The Certificate currently in place sets the maximum number of children who may be detained in Oberstown Children Detention Campus at 46, to include a maximum of 40 boys and 6 girls.