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

It is vital that we treat all children, who are received into State care, equally. There should be no differentiation in standards of care, priorities for care, other standards or protocols.

I am satisfied that the care provided to separated children seeking asylum is of a high standard, and that they receive an equal standard of care. Children seeking asylum who are in the custody of their parents remain in their care. Families living in direct provision centres have access to all Tusla services and are supported by a senior Tusla social worker, who works closely with the Reception and Integration Agency and staff in direct provision centres.

Children who present as unaccompanied minors may reunite with family members on arrival, or are taken into the care of Tusla. All separated children in care have a social worker with access to translation services where necessary. They live in residential or foster care, have educational assessments on arrival, and supports. Many of them, on reaching 18, stay in Tusla-provided accommodation to assist them in remaining in education. Tusla provides dedicated aftercare supports to this group of young adults.

Ireland's treatment of separated children seeking asylum is well-regarded internationally. Tusla has had a dedicated separated children seeking asylum team for many years now and it has gained the knowledge, skills and experience to provide a good quality service to separated children.

We have a good record in assisting unaccompanied children who arrive in Ireland. We played our part in helping children from the unofficial camp at Calais, and Tusla has offered to do more in regard to Italy and Greece.

We remain in contact with the Irish refugee protection programme, and we will continue to support vulnerable children under this programme.

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