Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour) | Oireachtas source

Of course I share the concern outlined by the Deputy. That is why every decision we make is carefully analysed as best we can given the wide diversity in circumstances. As I indicated before Deputy McGrath entered the Chamber, reconciling the situation is a challenge we face on a continual basis.

It is clear Deputy McConalogue has detailed knowledge of an individual case, which I do not have. There is an appeals mechanism and if the Deputy brings the details of the case to my attention I will have it investigated.

In response to the Deputy's earlier question, policy was set by the Department. It appears that it failed to be introduced. As to whether that means practice on the ground is changing, it is in some cases. The Deputy is correct to say that, but even though the practice was not authorised it is now being implemented in line with policy. The ratio is 1:6 at a maximum but there is an appeals process in place for parents or guardians who believe there are extenuating circumstances.

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