Clare Daly (Dublin Fingal, Independent) | Oireachtas source

In regard to the unaccompanied minors and the Minister's point that they will most likely come from Greece, I take it that he means they are most likely Syrian. Deputy Wallace raised previously with the Minister the possibility of investigating what could be done in respect of the large number of unaccompanied minors coming from Afghanistan. The Irish Red Cross, which acts as a intermediary between residents and Tusla, has received a steady stream of offers from Irish citizens to assist unaccompanied minors and take them into their homes at no additional cost to the State. I do not understand why the Minister has not taken any initiatives in that regard. He indicated to Deputy Wallace that he would write to the UN to find out if something of this nature could be done, given a previous response to the effect that it could not be done. Has the Minister written to the UN, what response has he received and where do we stand in that regard? Why would we not do that? Would that not be the best option?

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