Paula Butterly (Louth, Fine Gael)

This is more a listening exercise for me rather than anything else, but I thank all of the witnesses for their contributions. I have some comments rather than questions. While I firmly believe that we have to accelerate the processing of applicants coming into the country, there are three takeaways for me which require further consideration and which seem to be a common thread through all of the opening statements.

First and foremost is the issue of the best interests of the child. We should reconsider and re-examine what exactly we intend by that, particularly when it comes to unaccompanied minors while they are under our care within State. In the event, for whatever reason, we believe they do not have the right to reside in the State any longer, our duty of care continues until they achieve safe passage to their final country of destination or origin.

It is clear that nobody knows what legal counselling means or what it is supposed to entail. We should go back to the drawing board and determine what it means and the implications involved.

I concur with Senator Ruane on the question of medical cards. I firmly believe that we continue to have a duty of care towards applicants until such a time as they are no longer within the boundaries of this State. Even if they have not been approved and have to leave the State, the most humane thing would be to ensure that they receive all of the appropriate care and medical attention that they need until they are no longer in the State. I would be reflecting on that as well.