Oberstown staff strike over staffing dispute

Workers at Ireland — Oberstown Children Detention Campus, represented by the Fórsa union, have escalated industrial action over staffing and safety concerns. On August 18, 2026, they held a picket outside the Department of Children, coinciding with a 10-hour work stoppage, the third such action this month. The union has been engaged in a work-to-rule since late June. Fórsa claims that management has refused to include key elements of its claim in the business case to the department, including measures to address recruitment difficulties. The union cites reports of assaults on staff and injuries requiring hospital treatment due to stretched staffing levels. Oberstown disputes the union's depiction, noting the recruitment of 23 frontline staff over the past year and a net increase of nine, as well as a 29% reduction in recorded incidents year-to-date. The facility received over €2.1 million in additional funding for recruitment. Children's Minister Norma Foley announced a change in capacity from 40 boys and six girls to 44 boys and two girls during 2026, partly due to increased demand related to joy-riding activities. Both sides express commitment to resolution through the Republic of Ireland — Workplace Relations Commission.