Emmet Stagg
Ceist:12 Deputy Stagg asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the steps being taken to address the needs of under-age asylum seekers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11013/01]
Other Questions. - Asylum Seekers.
Section 8(5) of the Refugee Act, 1996, as amended, provides that where it appears to an immigration officer or an authorised officer in the office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner that a child under the age of 18 years, who has either arrived at the frontiers of the State or has entered the State, is not in the custody of any person, the officer shall, as soon as practicable, so inform the health board in whose functional area the child is. The provisions of the Child Care Act, 1991, which require every health board to promote the welfare of children in its area who are not receiving adequate care and protection, will then apply in relation to the child. All health boards have nominated liaison officers to be the contact person for the immigration officer or authorised officer in this regard.
Section 8 of the Refugee Act, 1996, further provides for the making of an application for refugee status on behalf of a child by an officer appointed by the health board where this is deemed appropriate in the light of information available about the case. Draft guidelines prepared by a working group established by my Department in respect of these provisions of the Act have been circulated to the health boards. I understand from the Department of Health and Children that the immediate and ongoing needs of the young person, including accommodation, medical, social and educational needs, are followed up by a social worker, community welfare officer or project worker, as appropriate.
Can I ask the Minister whether the report of the Vincentian Refugee Centre, that there has been an almost 600% increase in unaccompanied minors claiming refugee status in the State this year, is an accurate reflection of the numbers coming into the country in that category? Does he support the recommendation of that centre that the Department of Health and Children should ensure there is a parent figure available to look after any such minors? Is there a formal structure of liaison between his departmental refugee officials and the health boards throughout the country?
There has been, as the Deputy indicated, a huge increase in the numbers of minors being dealt with by the health boards. In 1999 the numbers were 94, in 2000 the number was 517 and this year to date the number is 312. Statistics for the year 2000 show that almost 50%, or 256, of the 517 unaccompanied minors who presented for asylum were 17 years of age. A further 31%, or 159, were either 15 or 16, while the remainder were under 15. So far this year 207 or 66% of unaccompanied minors dealt with by the health boards have stated their age as either 16 or 17.
I assure the Deputy that unaccompanied minors arriving in the State are given very careful treatment. There is a liaison officer. There is a major effort made to ensure that the child or minor concerned is given early and satisfactory accommodation and is cared for to the very highest level.
Written answers follow Adjournment Debate.