Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 7 February 2018
266. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of unaccompanied minors from Calais who have been resettled following the cross-party Dáil Éireann motion tabled on 10 November 2016. [6210/18]
View answerDuring 2017, Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, put in place the capacity to receive a number of unaccompanied minors under the Calais Special Project. Tusla committed to relocating at least 40 unaccompanied young persons who were previously in unofficial camps near Calais, France, in line with the criteria included in the Dáil resolution.
I am advised by Tusla that a total of 36 unaccompanied minors have arrived in Ireland under the Calais Special Project to date, with a further 5 being prepared for transfer. Tusla envisage that a total of 41 will have been resettled in Ireland by the end of this month.
I have asked Tusla to continue to maintain and build its capacity for receiving unaccompanied minors as part of its business planning for 2018 and beyond.
