Barry Andrews (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)

It is an issue of serious concern that the figure has increased in 2009 after a very low figure in 2008. For this reason we have included it in our implementation plan arising from the Ryan report. In order to prevent this from happening we need to bring children seeking asylum into a position of equality with children in residential or foster care so that they are provided with the same services and the accommodation is properly registered and inspected. This has not been the case until now. Next year we hope to phase out the four hostels that remain providing services to children. Through that level of equality, we can ensure that children coming to the attention of State agencies are dealt with at the earliest stages. Children go missing very soon after coming to the attention of State agencies. If they are in inappropriate accommodation one can be sure that inappropriate service will be provided.

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