A new health & safety inspection has revealed that the buildings surrounding the youth detention centre at Oberstown in Dublin are "unsafe".

Over 100 violent incidents took place at the centre last year and the staff said that the substandard nature of the accommodation creates the environment for the attacks to take place.

Fianna Fáil Spokesperson for Children Robert Troy TD is calling on the new Government to address the serious health and safety concerns.

Deputy Troy made the comments after residential care workers and night supervising staff at the centre voted in favour of industrial action.

He said: "It's alarming to see industrial action being undertaken by staff at Oberstown, but unfortunately this news will come as no shock to those that are familiar with the facility. Staff at Oberstown have been highlighting serious health and safety concerns at the centre for months now. They feel that their concerns are being ignored by senior management.

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"The issue stems from the fact that a change in legislation took place under the last Government which resulted in residents aged from 16 to 18 being housed at the centre. Prior to this only those aged 16 and under were being accommodated at the facility. There should have been an overhaul of the health and safety practices at the centre when this change took place, but unfortunately this did not happen.

Sinn Féin TD and spokesperson on Children & Youth Affairs Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire said: "No one takes the decision to strike lightly. It is evident that the staff feels very strongly about the current situation in Oberstown and their concerns should be listened. I call on the Minister for Children to see to it that the issue of safety concerns for both staff and residents of the Oberstown facility are dealt with as a matter of priority.

"The staff in these centres are very committed, and dedicated to assisting young people in need of high support, who are in such facilities as Oberstown. The decision to strike clearly raises question as to whether or not the unit in question is adequately resourced to achieve the results it aspires to. The safety of both residents and staff should be of paramount importance, and this should be reflected in both policy and resourcing.

"The Minister, should engage with the staff and their representatives as a matter of urgency, and must act accordingly to address this issue and review its codes of practice and structures to ensure the safety and welfare of residents and staff."

(CD/MH)