Oberstown Staff Issue Strike Notice Over Staffing, Capacity Concerns

Staff members at Oberstown Children’s Detention Campus in north Dublin, represented by the Fórsa trade union, have issued a seven-day notice of industrial action. This decision follows what Fórsa described as «inconclusive talks» held at the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC).

Fórsa's concerns stem from «the continued failure to resolve long-standing staffing and capacity concerns at the facility.» The Irish Times reported on Monday that Oberstown had declined to admit 12 boys referred by the courts over the past year, including 10 in October, due to full capacity.

Despite warnings from management that increasing the number of residents at the north Co Dublin campus would «adversely impact outcomes for young people,» Minister for Children Norma Foley has directed the centre to accept more boys. In response to protests from both staff and management, the increase is being implemented in phases: an initial rise from 40 to 42 boys has already occurred, with a further increase to 44 boys scheduled for September. The centre's total capacity is 46, which, as of March 31st, typically accommodated up to 40 boys and six girls.

The industrial action by Fórsa members follows a ballot that concluded in May, where 91 percent voted in favor of industrial action, including strikes, to resolve the «ongoing resourcing and safe staffing dispute.» On Wednesday, Fórsa stated that management's proposals at the WRC did not offer «a viable or operationally safe response to the issues raised.» The Department of Children was contacted for comment.