Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 8 July 2015
136. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs to set out the number of European Union and non-European Union non-Irish nationals who are currently within the care system; and the actions he has taken to ensure that Ireland is fully in compliance with its duty under the Vienna Convention and the Brussels II regulation. [27835/15]
View answerObligations under the Vienna Convention (in relation to children in care) and Brussels II (bis) (for matters concerning parental responsibility including children in the care of a Member State) are discharged under the auspices of Tusla, the Child and Family Agency. A protocol regarding cases of children in care who would fall under the provisions of the Vienna Convention became operational with effect from March this year.
The Brussels II (bis) Regulation is administered by the Department of Justice and Equality as Ireland's central authority and cases falling under this framework are dealt with by Tusla as Ireland's competent authority. Work has been ongoing between both bodies, with input from the Department of Children and Youth Affairs, to further streamline the operation of the Regulation. It is hoped to have a protocol in relation to such matters agreed in the near future.
I have been informed by Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, that it does not collect data in relation to the nationality of children and young people coming into care on a national basis. Nationality of children and young people is considered on an individual basis during the admission process to ensure that children and young people are in placements that can meet their needs.
