Written Answers. - Parliamentary Debates - Houses of the Oireachtas

[Deputy Bernard J. Durkan.]
Questions— 14 February 2012. Written Answers
degree to which psychological support and diagnostic services are available to children and
young adults as required; her plans to develop such services; and if she will make a statement
on the matter. [8392/12]
Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald): As this is a service
matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy with the
most up-to-date information.
Question No. 617 answered with Question No. 96.
Foster Care
618. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the extent
to which the fosterage services throughout the country are adequate to meet requirements; the
extent of the waiting lists; the proposals if any for the development of such services in the
future; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8394/12]
Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald): As this is a service
matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy with the
most up-to-date information.
Questions Nos. 619 and 620 answered with Question No. 96.
Human Trafficking
621. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the extent
to which she and her Department have identified locations for potential trafficking in children
or young adults with particular reference to the need to prevent the activities of organised
criminals in this area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8397/12]
622. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the extent
to which she and or her Department have identified situations likely to allow trafficking in
children or young adults; her plans to address any issues arising from evidence available; and
if she will make a statement on the matter. [8398/12]
Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald): I propose to take
Questions Nos. 621 and 622 together.
I do not have responsibility for offences relating to the trafficking of children. Under the
Child Care Act, 1991, the Health Service Executive (HSE) is responsible for the care and
protection of separated children seeking asylum until they reach 18 years of age. Their immediate
and ongoing needs as well as their application for refugee status are the responsibility of
the Health Service Executive (HSE) in accordance with the Refugee Act, 1996 (as amended)
and the Child Care Act, 1991. Where children are identified by An Garda Síochána, at the
point of entry, their circumstances are investigated and if there are any concerns about the
welfare of the child, they are placed into the care of the HSE. These children are particularly
vulnerable and in need of care and protection.
The HSE is aware of concerns that separated children seeking asylum who go missing from
care may be at risk of being trafficked. The HSE and the Garda National Immigrant Bureau
have worked closely since 2008 in this regard and have a Joint National Protocol on Children
who go missing from care, and have held meetings between their respective management to
identify risk, share information and work cooperatively in respect to this group of children.
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