Ms Tanya Ward:

The number of unaccompanied minors is actually quite small in contrast to that in other countries. It is quite difficult to get here. There has been an issue with unaccompanied minors in Europe. Many travelled to Europe. Ireland has, by far, not taken the lion's share of them. There was a situation, as the Deputy will be aware, with a number of young people at Calais. The Department of Children and Youth Affairs and Tusla travelled there and offered full refugee protection, full services, accommodation etc., and only a small number of young people opted to come to Ireland.

It is key that that position be filled to have oversight over the current gaps in emergency services.