State Spends Almost €50,000 on Luxury Items at Troubled Youth Detention Centre

Strategic Insights -

The Oberstown youth detention centre in Co Dublin has been plagued by controversy, with 31 staff members assaulted over a four-month period and 11 staff members resigning this year alone. Despite the turmoil, the State has spent nearly €50,000 on luxury items such as Sky Sports subscriptions, TVs, and MP3 players for the detained youths. The Government has defended the spending, claiming that it is part of a "child-focused model of care" aimed at normalizing daily living experiences and promoting good behavior.

Key Takeaways:

  • The State has spent almost €50,000 on luxury items at Oberstown youth detention centre since the start of last year, including €36,120 on a TV multi-channel subscription, including Sky Sports.
  • 11 staff members have resigned this year, following 12 who left in 2014, leaving 47 vacancies remaining to be filled.
  • The Department of Children has spent €2,248 on 50 Sony MP3 players and €7,950 on 34 TVs, as well as €669 on two game consoles and €1,346 on CD players.
  • The Sky Sports subscription is available in seven separate communal areas, but not in individual rooms.
  • The spending has been defended as part of a "child-focused model of care" aimed at normalizing daily living experiences and promoting good behavior.
  • Fianna Fail Children's spokesman Robert Troy has criticized the spending, stating that watching Sky Sports or listening to MP3 players all day does not do the young people any favours.

Statistics:

  • €50,000: The amount spent by the State on luxury items at Oberstown youth detention centre since the start of last year.
  • €36,120: The amount spent on a TV multi-channel subscription, including Sky Sports.
  • 31: The number of staff members assaulted over a four-month period.
  • 11: The number of staff members who have resigned this year.
  • 12: The number of staff members who left in 2014.
  • 47: The number of vacancies remaining to be filled at Oberstown.
  • €2,248: The amount spent on 50 Sony MP3 players.
  • €7,950: The amount spent on 34 TVs.
  • €669: The amount spent on two game consoles.
  • €1,346: The amount spent on CD players.
  • 7: The number of communal areas with Sky Sports subscription.

Sources:

  • news@irishmirror.ie
  • Department of Children (exact quote and responsibility): "is for the benefit of the young people in detention who have limited access to outdoor activities"