Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 October 2020
334. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Children, Disability, Equality and Integration the number of children in the care of Tusla in foster placements in the United Kingdom; the number on short term or specialist placements; the number on long term placements; the implications of Brexit on these placements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29571/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Matrimonial and Parental Judgments: jurisdiction, recognition and enforcement (Brussels IIa) Regulation is the legal mechanism in relation to children in the care of Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, who are placed with foster carers in the UK, who move with their foster carers to the UK or who are in a short or long term residential or other specialist placement.
The Regulation applies to civil law cases involving more than one country including aspects of parental responsibility such as custody and access rights.
Should the UK withdraw from the EU in the absence of agreement, the provisions of the 1996 Hague convention – to which the UK is a party – can be utilised to achieve the same outcome.
In order to provide the deputy with the further information requested, I have referred the matter to Tusla, and asked that Tula respond directly to the Deputy.
