These FAQs are designed to ensure sensitive, accurate, and respectful media coverage that aligns with Oberstown’s ethos and the protection of young people in its care.

Who can media representatives contact?

• Media should reach out to our partner Drury for any enquiries, interviews, or permissions. Contact details: Danielle Martin, phone (01) 260 5000.
• Direct media contact with Oberstown will be referred to Drury in the first instance.

Can media request interviews with young people in detention?

• No, for privacy, safety, and safeguarding reasons, interviews with young people are not permitted.
• Media can request general information about the service or enquire about interviews with authorised staff members.

What language and terminology should be used when reporting about Oberstown?

• We encourage anyone writing about Oberstown to be sensitive in the language they use. We encourage people to avoid language that stigmatises, or labels individuals based solely on their offences. See Oberstown language guidelines.

What questions are inappropriate to ask?

• The safety of all of the young people on our campus is priority for all of those working at Oberstown. In line with legislation, it is an offence to identify a young person sentenced or remanded to Oberstown.
• We cannot discuss any individual cases or provide any information that can in any way reveal personal details, identities, or case-specific information about individual young people.

What special considerations apply when reporting on Oberstown?

• We ask everyone reporting on Oberstown to respect the dignity, privacy, and future prospects of the young people in our care.
• It is an offence to publish information that can identify individual young people sent to Oberstown by the courts.

How should media discuss offences committed by young people?

• We encourage journalists to focus on the broader context of offences and avoid sensationalising details where possible.

Are images or videos of young people in detention allowed?

• No, images or videos that could identify young people are strictly prohibited to protect their privacy and in line with legislation.

Does Oberstown discuss operational aspects the service?

• Oberstown does not comment on operational matters.

What age group is catered for in Oberstown?

• Girls and boys from the age of 10 years up to the age of 18 years.
• The average age of young people in detention in recent years is 16 years.
• Oberstown publishes monthly occupancy statistics.

What law governs the rights of Children in detention in Ireland

• The Children Act 2001 governs the treatment of children in the criminal justice system in Ireland.
• It emphasises detention as a last resort and for the minimum term possible, and promotes rehabilitation.
• It sets the minimum age of criminal responsibility at 12 years (10 years for serious offences like murder or rape).
• Requires that children in detention are held in dedicated facilities, such as Oberstown Children Detention Campus.

What government department has overall oversight of Oberstown?

• Oberstown falls under the responsibility of the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth.