Katherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Children are in the front line of Europe’s migrant crisis. They have been bombed, placed in flimsy boats by ruthless people smugglers or sold into human trafficking and too often Europe responds with indifference or even worse blocks their passage to safety with police dogs, tear gas and barbed wire fences. It is only those with the coldest of hearts who would not be moved. The Irish people are deeply concerned and want action. As elected representatives we have a duty to act on the calls of our people but more importantly we also have a moral duty to those fleeing thugs, terrorists and tyrants. I share the concern of those behind the campaign highlighting the plight of children in Calais and note the calls by groups such as the Congress of Trade Unions, the Immigrant Council of Ireland and the Irish Association of Social Workers.

For too long children have been left living under bridges, in shacks or even 40 foot containers. Reports today that the French authorities are finally acting are welcome but the situation must be kept under review. Experience tells us that there will be more Calais’, there will be more fences on our borders and there will be more mass drownings.

As Minister for Children and Youth Affairs I am keenly aware of the need for resources to accommodate lone children who make it to the safety of our shores. Today I met with the leadership of the Child and Family Agency, Tusla as well as the Immigrant Council of Ireland and Cabinet colleagues to review Ireland’s response to the overall crisis and indeed events in Calais. Tusla has a team for separated children seeking asylum which supports all those arriving alone in Ireland and so far this year there have been 101 children referred to its services of 59 remain in care. Tusla has dealt with an average of 100 unaccompanied children every year for the past five years. Approximately 30% are not received into care as they are reunited, following proper checks, with their families or are deemed to be over 18 years of age.

In addition, Tusla staff have visited centres in Greece. A team will return later this month and continue the intake process for 20 unaccompanied children to come to Ireland by the end of 2017. To date we have prioritised children younger than 15 years who wish to come to Ireland. I anticipate the process of receiving unaccompanied children in Tusla care will accelerate as we are now going to offer places to older children. Resources of €2.4 million have been set aside to look after their needs.

Today I also asked Tusla to review capacity to provide safety, protection and hope to greater numbers of children. That work is being carried out. Options and models for an emergency or humanitarian intake of children form part of that review. While our Navy carries out heroic efforts to save men, women and children in the seas off Italy the process of giving the same people a chance to restart their lives is slow and bureaucratic. It is wrong that those who make it to European shores face chaos often because the authorities have not made proper preparations. I share the concern, frustration and anger of the Irish people at the slow pace of the EU response to this crisis. As an Independent Minister for Children and Youth Affairs it is my firm determination that no child wishing to reach the safety of our communities should be confronted with barriers.

See this speech in context