Katherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Yes, absolutely, we took 41 minors from Calais. Those minors had been vetted and were identified and were able to come. I had the opportunity about a year and a half ago to visit one of the places where we were receiving unaccompanied minors. It is extraordinary the way the people work with these young people. They were able to give the minors support, especially as they learned the language to prepare them to go to school. The figure of 41 minors was as many as we could take from Calais, but it was a real priority for me personally. The agency responded quickly and with great expertise to put together that programme. Things have changed, in particular in terms of Italy, and I think we will be able to find ways to receive the young people here, whereas there were some blocks not so much on our side but in our negotiations with the Italian authorities.

I believe some of the Tusla staff may have travelled to Italy recently or will go shortly.