Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 209: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the number of immigrant unaccompanied children who have gone missing from Health Service Executive accommodation in each of the past five years; the steps which have been taken to retrace these children; the discussions her Department has had with the HSE on the issue; the conclusion of such discussions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4624/08]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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The Deputy's question mainly relates to the management and delivery of health and 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. The phenomenon of unaccompanied or separated children who are seeking asylum going missing from care is not unique to Ireland. Evidence from other countries indicates this is a substantial problem. In 2005 the Health Service Executive commissioned a review of services provided to unaccompanied minors seeking asylum.

A Group representative of the key agencies including the HSE, the Office of the Minister for Children and the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service was set up and is considering the recommendations of this review and their implementation. The issue of these minors going missing is being examined in the context of this group's work. 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 my Office that all possible steps are taken to protect these children within the resources available. The 2001 "Policy on Absence without Leave" is being followed by the HSE in respect of these children. In addition, new national protocols regarding missing children are being drafted by the HSE in consultation with the Garda Missing Persons Bureau and will be finalised shortly.