Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Children, Robert Troy, has welcomed the start of construction on a new detention centre at Oberstown in north Dublin, however, he added that the issue of resources must be dealt with as a matter of priority.

Deputy Troy commented: "I welcome the start of construction on the new facility at Oberstown today. This is an extremely important facility and will modernise how young offenders are dealt with in the justice system.

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"Obviously it is extremely important that we bring an end to the detention of young offenders in adult facilities but the Minister also needs to address the issue in the interim.

"The new facility at Oberstown will be essential for reforming the system however the current situation must be addressed as well. We have seen cases recently when Judges are pointing out that young offenders are being kept in totally unsuitable conditions including on hospital wards. We cannot have a situation where offenders who have been judged to be a danger to others or themselves are kept in these conditions.

"I have raised this issue with the Minister but she has yet to reassure me that this is being addressed. I accept it will take time to bring the new units at Oberstown on stream but the current system needs to be addressed in the meantime."

(CD/JP)