Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 March 2022
552. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of asylum seekers in the State who are unaccompanied minors; the number which are in State care or fostering; and the number residing in direct provision centres [11544/22]
View answerTusla, the Child and Family Agency, receives separated children seeking international protection into care via two routes: those who have been relocated under the Irish Refugee Protection Programme (IRPP) and those who present independently at ports and other points of entry to Ireland. Currently, there are 95 children seeking international protection in Tusla's care, and additionally, Tusla is providing after care supports to 115 young adults who were received into Tusla's care as children seeking international protection.
In 2020, 40 young people presented at ports in Ireland. A further 61 in 2021 and to date in 2022, 18 young people have arrived at Irish ports. Under the IRPP, eight young people were transferred to Ireland in 2020, and a further 29 arrived in 2021.
The Deputy is seeking information on the numbers of SCSIP residing in direct provision centres and the numbers in foster care. As this is an operational matter for Tusla I have referred the matter to Tusla, and asked that a direct response be provided to the Deputy.
