Asylum-seeking children missing

Two of the five unaccompanied children seeking asylum here who went missing last year have still not been found, according to the HSE.

The HSE said protocols were being followed in relation to the missing asylum seekers, and also said that while the two missing duo have been categorised as children, it is possible they are actually over the age of 18.

In recent years concern has been expressed by a number of child support agencies about the possibility of some people — including children — being trafficked into Ireland for labour or sexual exploitation.

The number of missing minors seeking asylum has fallen sharply and the HSE has done away with placements in adult hostels. Previous figures indicate that of the 513 children who went missing from state care between 2000 and 2010, 440 are still unaccounted for.

The HSE spokesperson said: “All missing children within the care system are notified and traced in compliance with procedures as outlined in the joint protocol between the HSE and the gardaí for all children missing from care.”

The HSE said it intended to roll out to all ports of entry in the country a local Dublin-based protocol between it and the GNIB for “collaborative interviewing and screening” of unaccompanied minors presenting at the ports.

The HSE said it did not collate data regarding the number of children of parents facing deportation who are/were here but are now unaccounted for.