Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Aontú)
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832. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of unaccompanied minors currently in State care; the age range of these children; the length of time they have been in Ireland; and the nationality. [17261/25]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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Statutory and operational responsibility for the delivery of child protection and welfare services is a matter for Tusla, the Child and Family Agency. The Deputy is seeking information in relation to an operational matter for Tusla. Consequently, I have referred the matter to Tusla, and requested that a direct response be provided to the Deputy.

Mark Ward (Dublin Mid West, Sinn Fein)
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834. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the capacity of Oberstown Children Detention Campus; the number of young people detained there in each month of 2024, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17352/25]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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Under the Children Act 2001 and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, detention of children is to be used as a measure of last resort and for the shortest time possible. Oberstown Children Detention Campus is the State’s sole detention facility for children.

The Minister for Children, Disability and Equality sets the maximum occupancy at Oberstown by way of a certificate made under the Children Act 2001. This is currently set at 46 (40 boys and 6 girls). This includes children on detention orders and children who have been remanded by the courts.

Oberstown publishes reports on its monthly occupancy levels on its website: www.oberstown.com/

Occupancy 2024

In light of recent occupancy data, and given that detention must be available to the courts to deal with the most serious offences by children, the Department, with Oberstown, is examining the possibility of providing a small number of additional places for boys within the existing accommodation.