Better protection promised for asylum seekers

SAFETY and security measures are to be stepped up in centres for asylum-seeking children, detached from their parents.

Inadequate levels of adult supervision and inspections have reportedly led to several hundred children going missing from State care.

By the year end, centres housing asylum-seeking children separated from their families will operate under the care of the Health Service Executive (HSE). New regulations will ensure the centres have qualified staff, vetted by the Garda Central Vetting Office. The centres will also be subjected to checks by the Social Services Inspectorate (SSI).