Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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203. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the degree to which support services and accommodation remains available for undocumented and refugee children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52681/18]

Katherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent)
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The Child Care Act, 1991 applies to all children resident in the State irrespective of their immigration status. Under the Child Care Act, 1991 and the Child and Family Agency Act 2013, Tusla has a duty to promote the welfare of children who are not receiving adequate care or protection. The Agency is obliged to provide care for these children for as long as their welfare requires it.  

When a child who is undocumented and  living with his or her parent or guardian is taken into care, their needs are given priority. A social worker is assigned to the child and prepares a care plan, in consultation with the child. The plan should be dynamic and formally reviewed regularly.  Intrinsic to this process is ensuring that the voice and best interest of the child are central. When outlined in the care plan, Tusla will  assist the child with the process of establishing residency.

Unaccompanied asylum seeking children who seek the assistance of the State are placed in the statutory care of Tusla. Their needs are assessed by an allocated a social worker from a specialist team who work exclusively with unaccompanied minors. They receive appropriate educational, social, medical and counselling support.  

Children who, with their parents, live in Direct Provision, are provided with welfare supports as required. Tusla have seconded an experienced social worker to the Department of Justice and Equality to liaise directly between Direct Provision and Tusla services.