Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 270: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the number of unaccompanied child asylum applicants who have gone missing from State provided asylum accommodation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27601/07]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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Separated children seeking asylum going missing from care is not a phenomenon unique to Ireland. Evidence from other countries indicates this is a substantial problem. The HSE have reported that 53 Unaccompanied Minors/Separated Children Seeking Asylum went missing from care in 2006 with 6 subsequently relocated, and that 27 Unaccompanied Minors/Separated Children Seeking Asylum went missing from care during the period Jan-Oct 2007 with 11 subsequently relocated.

Most of the unaccompanied minors/separated children seeking asylum in Ireland are placed in the voluntary care of the Health Service Executive under Section 4 of the Child Care Act, 1991. Approximately 270 young people of this group are currently in the care of the HSE. The majority of unaccompanied minors/separated children seeking asylum are placed in residential care (i.e. hostel, registered children's centre) while others are placed in foster care and supported lodgings. The HSE are devising a National Operational Policy for unaccompanied minors/separated children seeking asylum. This is being finalised and it is understood to include the principle that all children in the care of the HSE should receive the same standard of care whether they be unaccompanied minors/separated children seeking asylum or indigenous children in care. The policy will also reflect the principle of good practice that younger children under 12 should be placed in foster care with older less vulnerable young people placed in supported lodgings where appropriate.

My Office has asked the HSE to take all necessary steps to ensure the safety and welfare of these young people. The HSE has assured the Department that all possible steps are taken to protect these children within the resources available. The 2001 "Policy on Absence without Leave" is being followed in respect of these children.

Each child who goes missing is reported, (on an agreed template with photograph and physical description), to the following:

Local Garda Station

Garda National Immigration Bureau

Child Care Manager (for circulation throughout the country)

Supt. Community Welfare Officer, Asylum Seekers Unit (for flagging on the National Social Welfare record system)

Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner (for circulation to other relevant asylum process agencies)

Local services notified.

New national protocols regarding all children who go missing from care are currently being drafted and will be finalised shortly. It is understood that separated children are dealt with specifically in this protocol. The HSE are in consultation with the Garda Missing Persons Bureau on this matter.