2923. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the number of places available and occupied at the Oberstown facility on 1 July for each of the years 2020 to 2026, in tabular form; if there are plans to increase capacity; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [61565/26]

Oberstown Children Detention School is a body under the aegis of the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality.

In March 2026, 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 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.

Significant Capital funding has been allocated through the NDP review process to refurbish an accommodation unit currently not in use in Oberstown Detention School. Department officials have written to the OPW requesting commencement of planning and design of this vacant unit onsite as soon as possible. It should be noted refurbishment will likely take a minimum of two years to complete.

Detention of children is used as a last resort and Oberstown is one part of a wider Youth Justice system with many effective alternatives to detention available in the Irish Youth Justice system such as the highly successful Youth Diversion Programmes operating nationwide.