Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)

I agree and it is important these young people get the very best care. They are very vulnerable and the situation I have outlined to Deputy McConalogue is a huge improvement. ComReg recently made a decision on the missing children hotline and it will be available later in the year. It is a small but important element.

Regarding the number of missing children, sometimes children leave residential care and are two or three hours late coming back. These situations are reported and I have had discussions with HSE and the Garda Síochána about the appropriate management of children who might be at risk. There are many routine referrals when children are a few hours late and turn up in the residential centre. I take Deputy McConalogue's point on supporting these young people.

Question No. 62 answered with Question No. 58.

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