I raise the issue of the industrial action being taken by staff at Oberstown Children Detention Campus. The facility looks after some of our most vulnerable children who have found themselves in a particular set of circumstances. Care is provided by social care workers and supervising officers both day and night. At maximum capacity, the centre can hold 42 boys and four girls. Since Thursday, 25 June, Fórsa members have been operating a work-to-rule measure after a ballot for industrial action received 91% support. The easiest way I can explain the circumstances and situations that have led to the industrial action is to refer to statements from Fórsa. A union official has stated that the proposals put forward by management were "not grounded in operational reality" and did not adequately address the ongoing impact of staffing pressures on employees. It is all about safe delivery of services, including ensuring there is capacity and ensuring the safety of the people who work there and the young people detained there. Fórsa has stated: Members have repeatedly raised concerns that staffing shortfalls are placing unsustainable pressure on services and increasing risks in a challenging custodial environment for children and staff alike. If it isn't safe for staff, it cannot be safe for the young people in their care. That really is the crux of the matter. A union official has said: "Members have previously reported serious incidents at the facility, including assaults on staff and injuries requiring hospital treatment, in circumstances where staffing levels were stretched and operational demands intensified." That is the situation with which we are dealing. I am sure the Minister of State will talk about the State's industrial relations infrastructure and framework. However, the underlying issue at Oberstown arises from the problems with staffing capacity and the safety of those who work there. We have all heard about assaults that have happened previously. Like many others, I have heard from people working in the facility that there are huge issues that were not being addressed. It was no shock whatsoever to me that we got into a set of circumstances whereby we now have industrial action. What frightens me is that the industrial action continues and the issues have not been addressed. We can all talk about going through the correct protocols and procedures but we know there is the possibility of having conversations. If the underlying issues that caused the industrial action were dealt with, we would not be in this set of circumstances. I have to hand figures for legal fees and associated State Claims Agency payments in recent years. The figure was €132,806 in 2020, €901,590 in 2021, €482,454 in 2022, €845,645 in 2023, €826,541 in 2024 and €861,807 in 2024. That points to the serious issues that need to be addressed. This is not good enough. I hope the Minister of State can provide a helpful answer.

Sentiment score: 0.02

I ask that the Minister of State go to the Minister, Deputy Foley, and reiterate the point that this issue, first of all, should not have got here. This is abject failure. We all accept that it would be a difficult place to work and there would be very difficult situations. We are talking about children whom a determination has been made to detain. It frightens me when we hear about assaults on staff and insufficient safety for those who work there and the children detained there. This is not working. The only the only piece of positive news - and that is a bit of a stretch - is the fact that local engagement is scheduled for this coming Monday, in an effort to find a way forward. I ask that maximum effort be put into finding a solution to this and ensuring that we have a safe level of staffing and that we have the correct protocols for dealing with issues where there may be the possibility of violence and that we have the correct protections. We all know that on some level it is a societal failure when we are looking at children being detained in the first place. We all know that we have to put an awful lot more work into those early interventions and help for children and their families that could avoid if not all, then at least some of this. However, we need to ensure that we protect those who are working in what are very difficult circumstances. If they are not safe, it will be impossible for the children in their care to be safe. I have brought up this issue with the children's committee. I requested that there would be a site visit, but beyond that, there are many questions to be answered. We need to ensure we have the correct protocols for dealing with issues of assaults and ensure there are sufficient staff and protection for those working there and that we ensure safety in Oberstown. I ask the Minister of State to bring this back to the Minister.

Sentiment score: -0.04