Clare Daly (Dublin Fingal, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

49. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality her discussions with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade on establishing a system for processing applications for asylum by unaccompanied minors in Calais and Dunkirk in France; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17107/16]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The ongoing migration crisis is a serious and extremely complex challenge facing the EU with numerous pressure points and it is important that there be a coherent and coordinated response. In that respect I do not see that a unilateral initiative from Ireland would be appropriate in this case, not least given the fact that this is a delicate situation involving the borders between two other Member States. We also need to bear in mind that a defining characteristic of the people in Calais and Dunkirk has been their very strong desire to go to the UK as their ultimate destination and that this is unlikely to change. Persons who are currently in another EU Member State, including those in the camps in Calais and Dunkirk, and who are in need of international protection, are entitled to make an application for asylum in that country, should they wish to do so.

I share the concerns in relation to unaccompanied minors as an especially vulnerable group and expect this issue to remain high on the agenda at EU level. As regards unaccompanied minors in the State, statutory responsibility for the care of unaccompanied minors in Ireland rests with Tusla, the Child and Family Agency.

As I informed the Deputy in my response to Parliamentary Question No. 64 of 17 May, 2016, staff of my Department, including staff working on the Irish Refugee Protection Programme, are in routine ongoing contact with colleagues in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade on a range of issues relating to the Relocation Programme. This contact extends to issues relating to the wider migration crisis.