Written answers

Thursday, 11 May 2017

Department of Children and Youth Affairs

Unaccompanied Minors and Separated Children

Photo of Mick WallaceMick Wallace (Wexford, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

25. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the steps both Tusla and her Department have taken to ensure that the accommodation of unaccompanied child refugees from the Calais camp is taking place without delay; if she has satisfied herself with the results to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22339/17]

Photo of Mick WallaceMick Wallace (Wexford, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

33. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the position regarding the arrival of unaccompanied child refugees from the former Calais camp; the number of child refugees that are now fully integrated and living here since the programme began; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22338/17]

Photo of Katherine ZapponeKatherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 25 and 33 together.

I am delighted to report to the Deputy that good progress has been made with regard to this issue. Recently, I was informed that to date 21 children have come to Ireland through the Calais Special Project (CSP). Of these 19 children are now in care placements and a further 2 children, in keeping with our process of assistance, were reunited with family members.

I would like to note that carrying out such an important mission in a safe and effective manner is no small task. From the granting of refugee status under the International Protection Act 2015 to the arrival of a child into safety and security in Ireland - a detailed process must occur. Social workers meet the children in France to assess their needs in terms of education, health, linguistic knowledge, family ties and recent experiences. This process improves the capacity of the placement organised for the child to meet their needs, and provide whatever additional services are required. It is this thoughtful approach that lays the foundations for a successful care placement, facilitating human flourishing.

Preceding our progress to date, there has been an all-Government response aimed at efforts to address the plight of the young people who were previously in the unofficial camps near Calais. Tusla has put in place a Calais Special Project to manage the aspects of this response that come within its remit. There has been positive coordination between the relevant State bodies. Our current progress has been augmented by the support and guidance of the International Organisation for Migration, Irish Refugee Protection Programme, International Protection Office, the French Ministry of the Interior, the French Red Cross, the Irish Embassy in France, and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.

As Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, I welcome the results of our humanitarian effort to date and the course we are on with respect to the Dáil resolution passed last November.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.