2901. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the total capacity of Oberstown Children Detention Campus; if consideration is being given to increasing this capacity; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57514/26]

During 2024 and 2025 Oberstown faced increased demand for places for boys in conflict with the law. At the start of 2026 it had a capacity for 40 boys and six girls.

In February 2026, I informed the Oireachtas of my intention to increase the capacity for boys in Oberstown by four to 44 boys during 2026.

In March of this year, as a first step, I increased the capacity for boys in Oberstown by two from 40 to 42 and at the same time I reduced the capacity for girls from six to four. Currently the total capacity of Oberstown stands at 46 (42 boys and four girls).

No decision regarding capacity is taken without a clear understanding of its implications for staffing levels, safety conditions, and the overall care environment for the children.

The staff and management of Oberstown have handled the change in the certified capacity with the professionalism and care that has become the hallmark of Oberstown.

Since March 2026, the Department has hosted a weekly meeting with managers in Oberstown to monitor how the changes are being implemented, the well-being of the children and the staffing implications of the changes.

The Department of Children, Disability and Equality has increased funding to Oberstown in recent years to support service delivery, strengthen operations, and enhance the overall care environment for the children.

This sustained investment reflects the Government’s commitment to ensuring the campus is properly resourced.

For 2026, Government provided €2.176 million in additional funding for Oberstown to increase staffing levels, including funding for 11 additional whole-time equivalent staff posts. This includes additional Day Supervising Officers (support staff) and Assistant Unit Managers. In the first six months of 2026, Oberstown has been successful in recruiting the majority of those extra staff, despite tight labour market conditions.

The Department is working closely with Oberstown management to ensure that staffing levels continue to align with operational demands, workforce planning is strengthened, and staff are appropriately supported in what is a highly challenging role.

The timing of the remaining increase in capacity for boys in Oberstown by a further two places is under consideration. The Department is balancing demand from the courts and the duty to safeguard the safety and well-being of both staff and children in Oberstown Children Detention Campus.