Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)

It is unfortunate that the relevant figures have not been circulated in the Chamber because they would be helpful to us in formulating our questions.

As regards children at risk, out of more than 4,000 young people who sought asylum in this State since 1999, at least 2,000 have been reunited with people claiming to be family members. An unpublished report by the HSE referred to on 27 March by The Irish Times indicated that hundreds of these children are vulnerable and at risk. Has the Minister entered discussions with the Minister of State with responsibility for children, Deputy Brian Lenihan, on these matters? What specific measures have been taken to ensure that unaccompanied children who arrive here seeking asylum are protected in all instances and are only reunited with families when relationships are confirmed?

Has the Minister explored alternative repatriation methods to chartering expensive aircraft and sending gardaí to the four corners of the globe? Does he agree that is an extraordinarily expensive way of conducting the matter? What voluntary repatriation mechanisms has he explored and to what end?

With regard to aged out minors, it is a cause of great concern that youngsters who have established educational and other affiliations to Irish society are summarily deported upon turning 18. I want to hear the Minister's philosophical views on how that matter should be dealt with.

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