Patrick Costello (Dublin South Central, Green Party)
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284. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth further to Parliamentary Question No. 334 of 25 January 2024, if he intends to expand use of section 5 of the Child Care Act 1991 to overcome lack of informed consent which impedes care for a separated child seeking international protection; if his Department is exploring amending provisions related to statutory care orders to give clear policy direction that allows for a separated child seeking international protection to be brought into care in the absence of informed consent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5815/24]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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The Department's officials have informed me that this is being reviewed as part of the Child Care Act Amendment Bill (2023). The Pre Legislative Scrutiny (PLS) process has been completed and the report with some 90 recommendations is being considered by my Department as we progress drafting with the Office of Parliamentary Council.

Department's officials have been attending the recent Children's Rights Alliance (CRA) and Tusla stakeholder consultation meetings regarding review of the challenges set out by Tusla . As part of this consultation process informed discussions have taken place on how best to assist Tusla's Separated Children Seeking International Protection Team (SCSIP) with the on going demands on service provision. Part of the proposals put forward include reviewing of Section 5 provision and its application within the service. The Department is awaiting a report from the CRA with final observations and recommendations to carefully review same.

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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Apologies to the Deputy for the delay with the reply to Parliamentary Question No. 482 of 5 December 2023.

A reply has been prepared and will issue to the Deputy very shortly.

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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Apologies to the Deputy for the delay with the reply to Parliamentary Question No. 469 of 14 December 2023.

A reply has been prepared and will issue to the Deputy very shortly.