Michael Cahill (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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473. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the measures that are being taken to address the issue of missing children (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31510/25]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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The Government recognises that Children reported Missing from Care are recognised as being some of the most vulnerable in society.

Children missing from care fall under two categories, children who go missing from mainstream services for children in the care of Tusla, and those children who are Separated Children seeking International Protection (SCSIP) Services, though children in mainstream Tusla services can also go missing from care on a more frequent but temporary basis.

This is a European-wide phenomenon for separated children and unaccompanied minors.

As of 22nd May 2025, 5 young people who are in mainstream care were reported as missing. It is important to note, most of the young people in mainstream reported as ‘missing’ return to their placement after a brief period of time and remain in a safe and caring environment. Any of the children and young people reported missing from mainstream care in 2024 returned to the care of Tusla.

As of 22nd May 2025, 32 Separated Children Seeking International Protection (SCSIP) children are reported as missing. Some unaccompanied minors who go missing from care communicate their intention to travel on to other countries to join family members and some indicate that it was never their intention to remain in Ireland and leave soon after they arrive in the country. For those who do not subsequently make Tusla aware of their whereabouts, these young people are counted as missing and An Garda Siochána are notified accordingly. Of the 32 children missing from the SCSIP service, all 32 are missing for over two weeks.

The vast majority of Children Missing from Care are aged 16 and 17 years of age.

Tusla and An Garda Síochána work together on Children Missing from Care through the An Garda Síochána / Tusla Joint Working Protocol. This protocol is currently being reviewed and updated by Tusla and An Garda Síochána. Where a young person in care is deemed missing, Tusla notify An Garda Siochána under the joint protocol. Once a child has been reported missing, the Gardaí have primary responsibility for investigating the child’s whereabouts. The Garda National Missing Person`s Unit has oversight over a Garda investigation on the ongoing attempts to locate the child, including liaison with Interpol, if there is a concern that the child has left the jurisdiction. This can include local police checks with relevant local authorities to assist the Garda investigation and liaison with Tusla. Tusla remains concerned for the welfare of those minors who go missing from its care and who do not get back in touch, and Tusla continues to make efforts to contact the young person. Tusla liaises continually with the Gardaí and keeps them updated if staff become aware of any further information relating to the missing young person.

When a young person who is missing in care reaches the age of majority (18), they are no longer statutorily categorised as missing in care. These cases are no longer open to Tusla but may remain open as a missing person to An Garda Síochána if they have not yet located the young person.

The Government welcomes the passing of the EU Migration Pact in 2024. It will, when implemented, in 2026, include children aged six and above to enhance protections for children and combat child trafficking and this will include biometric procedures and fingerprinting which will also assist in tracing Children Missing from Care.

My Department continues to liaise with Tusla regarding the issue of children missing in care and the measures in place to ensure comprehensive safeguarding is in place for the children and young people placed in their care.