Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 75: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if confirmation will be given to correspondence (details supplied) which outlines deep concern regarding the plight of unaccompanied minor asylum seekers; her assessment of the scale of the problem; the number of these young people who arrived here in 2004 and 2005; the steps she and related agencies have taken to deal with the welfare issues which surround unaccompanied minor asylum-seekers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3712/06]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the parliamentary affairs division of the executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

However, I also wish to advise the Deputy that the Health Service Executive commissioned a review of services provided to separated children seeking asylum and unaccompanied minors in 2005. I have received a copy of that report, which is under examination in my office, and in that regard I have asked that an interdepartmental working group be established to consider the issues involved.

Furthermore, on 7 December 2005 my office met the Social Services Inspectorate and the HSE to discuss the issue of accommodation standards for unaccompanied minors. It was agreed at that meeting that the standards for children in residential care will apply to accommodation for unaccompanied minors of 16 years and under. Regarding accommodation for those in the 17 to 18 age group, the same standards will apply, subject to guidance notes being drafted by the SSI in consultation with the HSE.