Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 14 December 2016
54. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will report on the work her Department has completed in respect of the welfare of children of asylum seekers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40123/16]
View answerMy colleague, the Minister for Justice and Equality, has primary responsibility in the area of asylum and immigration. Policy responsibility for such refugee children travelling with their parents, whether they are living in the community or in the direct provision system, insofar as it extends to my Department, is in relation to providing care and protection for any children where their welfare and safety are identified as a concern.
Children of families seeking asylum, living in private accommodation, have the same supports available to them as other children in the community and any child welfare or protection concerns should be reported to Tusla, in line with Children First guidelines.
The Direct Provision system is under the policy remit of my colleague, the Minister for Justice and Equality. Children living in Direct Provision are in the care of their parent(s). However, any concerns about the welfare, safety or well-being of a child in Direct Provision are reported to Tusla, in line with Children First guidelines. Tusla has been working with the Reception and Integration Agency (RIA) of the Department of Justice and Equality, which has responsibility for accommodation in the direct provision system and on information sharing protocols. There are a range of supports available to families resident within the Direct Provision centres including services including services provided by the Department of Education and Skills, the Department of Social Protection and the Department of Health.
