Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 10 February 2005
69 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the steps being taken to establish the location of up to 250 foreign children who have disappeared from the care of the health board authorities since 2001; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4234/05]
View answerThe Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive has the responsibility to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. This includes responsibility for unaccompanied minors seeking asylum. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Health Service Executive's national director of primary community and continuing care to investigate the matter raised and reply directly to the Deputy.
