Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
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Question 186: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if she will allow a person (details supplied) to remain in Dublin in order to complete the last year of their second level studies; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22779/10]

Barry Andrews (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.

The immediate and the ongoing needs of separated children seeking asylum relating to accommodation, medical and social needs as well as their application for refugee status are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive (HSE) in accordance with Section 8(5)(a) of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended) and the Child Care Act, 1991. When an unaccompanied asylum seeker minor in the care of the HSE reaches 18 years of age he or she may be referred by the HSE to the Reception and Integration Agency (RIA) for transfer to adult accommodation and service provision. In circumstances where the HSE deem such a person to be particularly vulnerable, the period in HSE care can be extended beyond 18 years of age at the HSE's discretion. Furthermore where a young person is in the process of completing an educational course the HSE would liaise with RIA to ensure that educational needs are met. A considerable degree of liaison between the HSE and the RIA takes place before that person reaches 18 and is due to be transferred from the former to the latter.