REFORMS REQUESTED BUT ARE THEY IMPLEMENTED?

HANDCUFFS WHAT THE REPORT AUTHORS SAID:

Handcuffs should only ever be used in strict accordance with policy and should be subject to rigorous recording.

WHAT THE DEPARTMENT HAS SAID:

New guidelines, issued in 2017, require that handcuffs be used only in exceptional circumstances. Steps have been taken to improve the quality of recording. Protection rooms

WHAT THE REPORT AUTHORS SAID:

Replace protection rooms with a central high-care unit with staff able to offer professional care, therapeutic intervention and mental health support.

WHAT THE DEPARTMENT HAS SAID:

The use of protection rooms is kept under review. if a protection room is to be used a deputy director must be notified.

A BOYS’ ONLY FACILTY? WHAT THE REPORT AUTHORS SAID:

Girls should no longer be placed at Oberstown.

WHAT THE DEPARTMENT HAS SAID:

Following a Government review in 2007, the report did not distinguish between male and females in detention.

INTERNAL CAVITY SEARCHES WHAT THE REPORT AUTHORS SAID:

Internal searches should only be undertaken when authorised by a doctor for medical reasons.

WHAT THE DEPARTMENT HAS SAID:

Internal searches should never be used unless undertaken by a doctor for medical reasons.

STAFF WHO WANT TO LEAVE WHAT THE REPORT AUTHORS SAID:

Approach unions on assisting staff who want to leave.

WHAT THE DEPARTMENT HAS SAID:

Talks with the Department of Children and DPER are on-going.