The All Party Dáil motion, approved by Government on 10 November last, called on the Government to work with the French authorities, to identify up to 200 unaccompanied minors previously living in the unofficial migrant camp in Calais, and who have expressed a desire to come and stay in Ireland. The motion further states that any requests from France for assistance in this regard must be considered in accordance with national and international law.
In order to implement the motion a number of Departments are required to work together and to coordinate their efforts.
I understand that the Department of Justice and Equality has sought the advice of the Attorney General's Office in relation to this matter. In addition, the State is seeking to ascertain the identity of those unaccompanied minors formerly in Calais who had expressed a wish to relocate to Ireland.
I am sure that the Deputy appreciates that the unaccompanied minors concerned are now dispersed in numerous centres throughout France. It is understood that there are ongoing contacts between the French and UK authorities in relation to the unaccompanied minors who may be accepted by the UK. The situation that now presents itself is an extremely complex one with many actors, both State and non-State, involved. We are attempting to work through the issues concerned as expeditiously as possible having regard to the resource limitations which currently exist.
