Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 10 November 2016
338. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if her attention has been drawn to the concerns expressed by UNICEF regarding the suitability for children of refugee reception centres in France; if this will impact on the Government's approach on child refugees; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34142/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, I remain concerned about the children who were in the unofficial camp near Calais. I am also mindful of our commitments to unaccompanied children in camps in Greece and Italy, some of whom are living in poor conditions. I have asked Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, to review its ability to provide safety and protection to greater numbers of unaccompanied children, and to assess the additional resources that may be needed. It is important to emphasise that we provide significant assistance to unaccompanied minors who arrive in Ireland on an unplanned basis. I am eager to expand our ability to make a greater commitment to these most vulnerable of children.
My colleague, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade has advised me that some concerns have been expressed by UNICEF regarding the suitability for children of refugee reception centres in France and that UNICEF is working on the ground to ensure the programmes and policies in response to the crisis put the rights and needs of all children first. UNICEF is one of Ireland’s key development partner agencies and we are a strong supporter of their work in development and humanitarian aid.
