Oberstown riot sparks calls for return to negotiations

Children’s Minister Katherine Zappone should negotiate with trade unions to end the industrial dispute at the Oberstown Youth Detention Centre, a leading prison reform group has said.

The Irish Penal Reform Trust (IPRT) has issued a new statement following an eight-hour work stoppage on Monday, during which a riot broke out at the centre.

A set of keys were reportedly taken from a staff member and led to eight detainees gaining access to the roof of a residential unit at the centre, where a fire started at around 8pm.

Gardaí are investigating the cause of the fire and Oberstown management is looking into the extent of the damage to Unit 3.

Deirdre Malone, executive director of the IPRT, said: “It is simply unacceptable that Oberstown Management and trade unions have still not resolved workplace issues more than a year on.

“IPRT has previously written to Minister Zappone since her appointment as Minister for Children and Youth Affairs underlining the serious risks that unresolved staff relations issues present to the safety of everyone at Oberstown.

“Industrial action cannot be permitted to place the care and welfare of the children and young people detained at Oberstown at risk.”

Referring to the Monday riot, Ms Malone added: “IPRT acknowledges the actions of staff who left the picket line to assist with the unfolding situation, and prioritising the safety of the residents.

“IPRT urges all parties involved to work together to ensure this serious risk is resolved immediately, and that it does not delay the ending of imprisonment of children at Wheatfield Place of Detention.”