Sharon Keogan (Independent)

My question relates to unaccompanied minors. I do not know if the Minister is aware of what is happening around the country. Residential care settings are popping up in many areas. They are mixed, which I am a little concerned about. It is sometimes hard to verify a person's age when they come into this country. I want to make the Minister aware of the situation. As she knows, residential care settings do not provide the best care for children. I have always advocated for foster families or people who can foster to come forward. I want to make the Minister aware of the situation. Residential care settings are popping up throughout the country.

Last year, there were 50,000 unaccompanied minors in the EU. I do not know how many of them ended up in Ireland. I do not have the numbers for Ireland. It is becoming a trend. I do not think that any of the settings need planning permission so a residential placement with five or six children can be set up. I want to make the Minister aware of the situation. These placements are mixed.