James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I can understand the disappointment that only eight of the 36 unaccompanied minors who have been accepted by this country have arrived thus far. I understand that the difficulty has been with the impact of Covid-19 but the Department will now step up, try to resolve the situation, get those children to Ireland and give them the support they desperately need. The Minister, Deputy McEntee, is very much aware of this situation and will ensure that those unaccompanied minors can be facilitated to come here, despite the situation with Covid-19.

As I said at the outset, officials are currently considering how and if we can accommodate a small number of families as a gesture of solidarity. We also have existing commitments regarding refugee resettlement under the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, UNHCR-led, programme. This will include 650 refugee resettlements this year, 700 next year, 750 in 2022 and 800 in 2023. Families already resident here may also apply to bring their family members to Ireland under the family reunification policy or family reunification provisions of the International Protection Act 2015. I understand that the new EU pact on migration and asylum contains a comprehensive series of actions, including some new legislative proposals, across the full range of migration policies, including addressing the root causes of migration, the reform of the common European asylum system, crisis preparedness and response, co-operation and partnership with third countries.

The proposals, including the legislative initiatives, will require careful consideration regarding their implications for Ireland but we will continue to be a constructive participant in the negotiation process. I assure the Deputy that I will bring his concerns to the attention of the Minister, Deputy McEntee.

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