Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 25 January 2006
387 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will make a statement on the needs of vulnerable unaccompanied minor asylum seekers, such as the issues set out in correspondence (details supplied); and if additional funding will be requested to address this matter. [1487/06]
View answerThe Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the parliamentary affairs division of the executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
The Health Service Executive commissioned a review of services provided to separated children seeking asylum and unaccompanied minors in 2005. I have received a copy of this report which is under examination in my office and in that regard I have asked that an interdepartmental working group be established to consider the issues involved.
