Child refugees ‘unsuitably placed’

ASYLUM-SEEKING minors are being placed in the care of unsuitable guardians who claim they are their relatives, creating a host of child protection difficulties, according to a member of the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.

Barrister Sunniva McDonagh, who calls for the publication of decisions made by the tribunal, says international guidelines on the treatment of children seeking asylum are not being followed by the State.

A tribunal member for five years, Ms McDonagh said some members of the tribunal, including herself, have refused to hear cases “in the absence of satisfactory safeguards for these vulnerable children”.