Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 612: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the Government policy regarding child protection and family support in respect of asylum seeking families; if a case worker is appointed where issues of child protection arise; if that case officer continues to deal with the case if the family is separated to different parts of the country; if such a separation has a fixed review date; if there are clear protocols for dealing with requests for family reunification when it is appropriate to do so; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10239/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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The Government policy regarding child protection and family support in respect of asylum seeking families is multi-faceted. The reception and integration agency has responsibility for the accommodation of asylum seekers and the co-ordination of service provision. The agency has developed a child protection policy which is in line with the Children First national child protection guidelines. A policy is also in place for all agency personnel. Both policies have been implemented since 16 January 2006.

Asylum seekers living in accommodation not provided by the reception and integration agency are subject to the same child protection procedures as any other members of the community. Family support is provided through the Health Service Executive, and referral procedures are the same as for the indigenous population.

With regard to the appointment of case-workers and related matters mentioned in the Deputy's question, these are issues for the Health Service Executive and my colleague, the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children will provide further information on them.