Mick Wallace (Wexford, Independent)
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39. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if he is satisfied with the role he and Túsla - Child and Family Agency have played in the welfare of children in direct provision and if any measures are under way to improve the provision of care; the measures he is taking to ensure that any refugee children will be given the care they need upon arrival; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42543/15]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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My colleague, the Minister for Justice and Equality has primary responsibility in the areas of asylum and immigration including the direct provision system.

With regard to the welfare of children in Direct Provision centres, there are a range of supports available to families resident within the centres facilitated by several Government Departments and Agencies. The needs of children in Direct Provision include education, child care such as preschool, medical and health issues. Tusla provides support services directly to families as well as advice on aspects of child raising in this country.

Children living in Direct Provision are in the care of their parent(s). The Protection Process Working Group reported to the Minister for Justice and Equality recently. There were key findings and recommendations concerned with the development, welfare, protection and education of children. I continue to support the Minister for Justice and Equality in her drive to implement change in this area and improve the lives of those who need to avail of the protection process.

Where there are concerns about the welfare, safety or well-being of a child in Direct Provision, these are reported to Tusla in accordance with Children First guidelines. Tusla has been working closely with the Reception and Integration Agency (RIA) of the Department of Justice and Equality, which has responsibility for accommodation in the Direct Provision system, and on information sharing protocols. Tusla provides additional supports in some centres such as preschool, family support and advice.

Tusla also has a role in providing care and protection for children seeking asylum who present without their parent or customary care giver under Tusla's Equity of Care Policy. These children are placed in the care of the State, with Tusla, and following a short period of residential assessment, are placed in foster care and, in a small number of cases, in residential care. Tusla has a dedicated Social Work team to deal with this vulnerable cohort and the State is duty bound by international and domestic law to protect and provide for separated children in the same way as it does for children normally resident in the State.