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

Every child residing in Ireland, whether he or she was born in Ireland or has relocated here, is entitled to equal access to services.

The Deputy specifically mentioned children living in the direct provision system, for which the Minister for Justice and Equality has responsibility. Children living in direct provision remain in the care of their parents. If any concern is raised regarding the safety, well-being and welfare of a child living in direct provision it is reported to Tusla and the case is treated as any other referral would be. Tusla has located an experienced team leader child protection social worker to the Reception and Integration Agency to better support access to Tusla services for vulnerable families in direct provision and to provide advice and guidance to staff working in direct provision.

Under the Dáil resolution of 10 November 2016, we have committed to bringing separated children seeking asylum to Ireland. This vulnerable cohort requires specialist support and care and Tusla has supports and facilities in place to identify, access and receive separated children seeking asylum.

Up until the end of June, we have received 22 young people under this programme, all boys between the ages of 13 and 17 years. They come from Afghanistan, Eritrea, Syria and South Sudan.

Separated children seeking asylum may also come to Ireland through the Irish refugee protection programme. My Department has joint responsibility with Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, to identify and provide supports for separated children seeking asylum who are part of this relocation programme. So far, six children and young people from Iraq and Syria have been received into care. A child may also present at an Irish port of entry seeking asylum. In this instance, he or she will be referred to Tusla for assessment and appropriate care.

To best meet their needs, all children on arrival in the State are placed in a small residential assessment unit to ensure social workers can get to know them and understand their needs.

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