Phil Hogan
Ceist:119 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Health and Children when the Government will honour its obligations under Article 22 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21758/97]
Written Answers. - UN Conventions.
The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, which has been signed and ratified by Ireland, has implications for a wide range of Departments, including the Department of Health and Children. Article 22 of the convention provides that "State parties shall take appropriate measures to ensure that a child who is seeking refugee status or who is considered a refugee in accordance with applicable international or domestic law and procedures shall, whether unaccompanied or accompanied by his or her parents or by any other person, receive appropriate protection and humanitarian assistance .".
The Deputy will be aware that the Refugee Act, 1996, has not yet been fully implemented. I understand from the Department of Justice that sections 1, 2, 5, 22 and 25 of the Act came into effect on 29 August last. However, as a result of a High Court injunction, my colleague, the Minister for Justice, is not in a position to appoint a refugee applications commissioner, an appointment central to the introduction of the remaining sections of the Act.
Section 8 (5) (a) of the Act provides for procedures to safeguard the interests of unaccompanied children who arrive in Ireland and who may or may not be asylum seekers. I understand from the Department of Justice that, although this section of the Act has not yet been commenced, the State seeks to operate to the principles of the section where possible.
I am informed by the Eastern Health Board that refugee children, accompanied by one or more parent(s) who approach its asylum seekers unit are provided with immediate income support and emergency accommodation. Apart from basic income, payments towards clothing needs are made on first arrival where required. Subsequently the child, as part of their family, will receive the same health and community welfare services as Irish citizens.
Unaccompanied children are also provided with income support, including special payments for clothing needs and accommodation selected to suit their unaccompanied status. The community welfare service co-operates with agencies such as the Garda and the Refugee Council in assisting to reunite families though this co-operation has not often been sought. The social work service is alerted to cases where appropriate.
I am satisfied that, in the circumstances, Ireland is honouring its obligations under this convention.