Strike action at Oberstown sparks concerns across legal sector

The Irish Penal Reform Trust (IPRT) has clashed with trade unions over industrial action at the Oberstown Youth Detention Centre.

Staff at the detention centre - the only young offenders’ institution in Ireland - went on strike for eight hours yesterday in a dispute over what they said were poor safety measures and increasing assaults on the campus.

Full emergency cover remained in place during the 8am-4pm work stoppage, but residents were to be confined to their bedrooms.

However, there were reports of a riot breaking out towards the end of yesterday’s industrial action as well as a fire on the roof of the building. The full extent of the damage is not yet known.

The unions have served notice of more stoppages due to take place on Monday 5, Monday 12 and Monday 19 September.

Deirdre Malone, executive director of the IPRT, yesterday voiced concern about the ongoing dispute.

She said the action “is directly detrimental to the care and welfare of the children and young people detained at Oberstown”.

Ms Malone added: “The rapid deterioration of the situation demonstrates the need for both sides to resolve this dispute as quickly as possible to prevent further incidents like this occurring in the future.

“IPRT urges open dialogue between all parties - staff, management, and the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs - to ensure that the issues are resolved swiftly without any further adverse impact on the safety, rights, and wellbeing of children and young people.”

Tom Hoare, an official with the IMPACT trade union, said: “While there has been consistent efforts to resolve this dispute, the staff are still facing the daily risk of assault and injury.

“Oberstown care workers are doing the work of prison staff with the facilities and equipment of a residential care home.

“The number of assaults on staff has continued to grow since the expansion of Oberstown to facilitate the transfer of offenders from the prison service.”

Ray Stanley, organiser with the SIPTU trade union, added: “Recently, through a third party mediator, union representatives and senior management in Oberstown agreed a document aimed at addressing staff concerns through comprehensive structures and timeframes. We believe this document has the potential to create a platform to deal with members’ deeply held safety concerns.

“Unfortunately, the solutions identified by the IMPACT and SIPTU members were flatly rejected by management and union members have no choice but to take this action.”