Robbie Gallagher (Fianna Fail)

I thank all the witnesses for taking time out to be here with us this afternoon and, indeed, for their work in this particular area.

I am startled at the outset by the increase in the number of children coming here. Mr. Hone said that, in 2022, there were approximately 70 unaccompanied children or thereabouts and that, so far this year, in the region of 400 have arrived. I have a couple of questions in relation to that. The first is open to everyone to make a comment. Have we any idea why that is so? Why the sudden increase in two or three short years? Will the witnesses give us an idea of the ages of the children? Do they have any data on, say, the youngest as opposed to the eldest?