Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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1294. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her views on a matter (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12824/17]

Katherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent)
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As Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, I am deeply concerned by the plight of the young people who were in the Calais camp, and particularly the many unaccompanied minors who were at the frontline of this terrible situation. The All Party Dáil motion, approved by Government on 10 November last, called on the Government to work with the French authorities, to identify up to 200 unaccompanied minors previously living in the unofficial migrant camp in Calais, and who have expressed a desire to come and stay in Ireland. An initial group of 16 young people have been identified by French officials to be the first to go through the assessment process to come to Ireland.

When this issue was first coming to public prominence I obtained a clear plan from my officials and from Tusla, the Child and Family Agency. Tusla provided me with cost estimates but has correctly added the proviso that these will have to be monitored as the needs of the young people are not yet fully known. This estimate was provided prior to individual assessments regarding age or needs of the young people concerned. Due to trauma experienced by the young people and personal challenges the most suitable service to meet the needs of the young people may be a residential setting. As the Deputy will understand residential care is the most expensive type of care provided by Tusla. Additionally, included in the estimate was the provision of therapeutic and legal supports. As the young people arrive, we will get a better understanding of their needs.

The estimate refers to a full year cost but as the young people will be arriving on a phased basis the cost for 2017 should be considerably less. I am closely monitoring the emerging situation and I am in close contact with my colleague, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform to ensure this whole of Government response to this humanitarian effort is successful.