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Deportation Orders

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 October 2020

Tuesday, 20 October 2020

Ceisteanna (42)

Mick Barry

Ceist:

42. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Children, Disability, Equality and Integration his views on whether a policy change is required in the interests of the safeguarding of minors in cases in which Tusla is notified that a deportation order is issued against a minor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30628/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I thank the Deputy for his interest in this area. The Deputy will be aware that there is no formal process in place for the Department of Justice to notify this Department or Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, when a deportation order has been issued against a minor, either with their family, or in circumstances when they are unaccompanied.

However, I am assured by the Department of Justice that if a situation presented itself where a minor in the care of Tusla faced deportation, it would not be done unless all appropriate care arrangements have been made for them in their country of origin, in conjunction with their legal guardians, in this case Tusla.

Neither this Department nor Tusla has a role in the management of the deportation process. The decision to remove a person from the State is serious, and not one that is taken lightly. In determining whether to make a deportation order, the Department of Justice gives due regard, among other factors, to the age of the person and humanitarian considerations.

Tusla is the statutory body with responsibility for the protection and welfare of children. Unaccompanied minors arriving in the state are taken into the care of Tusla and are allocated a social worker from the Separated Children Seeking Asylum (SCSA) team who works with them to ensure that their needs are met. This can include work in relation to asylum, visa or passport applications and extensive family reunification work.

Question No. 43 answered with Question No. 26.
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