Séamus McGrath (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)

I thank everybody for being here this morning. I thank them for the work they do. I appreciate the heavy burden that is on them in Tusla. There were over 100,000 referrals last year, which was a significant number. We are discussing issues of concern but I am sure that the witnesses make very many positive interventions on a day-to-day basis and that must be acknowledged. I thank them and their staff for all the work they do.

I will raise a number of issues. Like other members, I am caught for time so I ask for short answers, if possible. In respect of separated children seeking international protection, the Comptroller and Auditor General has pointed out that there has been an 85% increase to €61.3 million for independent placement provision for those children. I think the number was confirmed earlier but how many children who are separated are we talking about at this point?