Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 February 2017
304. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 1709 to 1712, inclusive, of 17 January 2017, her views on a matter (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7686/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have asked Tusla to expand the Separated Children's team to progress the Dail resolution on unaccompanied minors who were previously in unofficial camps near Calais. Tusla is putting in place a project office and increasing the number of staff on this team. The additional staff will include a senior social work practitioner, social workers and social care staff. I understand that Tusla is examining how best to manage the required psychological support for the young people, including the recruitment of a psychologist into the team. I have been assured that residential accommodation being sourced will be homely in nature and in line with national standards.
I have committed to making sure that this service is properly resourced, and that the high standard of the current service continues. The estimates of the cost involved will be kept under review as the situation evolves. I am closely monitoring the emerging situation to ensure this humanitarian effort will be successful.
Tusla's most recent estimate is that an additional €8 million in a full year will be required to expand the Separated Children Seeking Asylum team. The estimate is likely to be reviewed as more information about the individual needs of the young people become known. The therapeutic needs can only be determined once the children have been assessed after arriving here. The estimated legal costs will depend on the complexity of the care order that is required and may be an overestimate overall. As the children will arrive on a phased basis it is expected that the cost in 2017 will be considerably less than €8 million.
