Refugee council warns of danger to minors

The Irish Refugee Council has warned that approximately 600 unaccompanied minors are in danger because of inadequate supervision.

The minors, most of whom arrived here as asylum seekers and are largely concentrated in Dublin, often live in hostels with just a security guard to supervise them at night.

Peter O'Mahony of the Irish Refugee Council said that more resources are needed if the teenagers are not to come to harm.

He said: "Our concern, first and foremost, would be in relation to the support and safety of the children.

"It's essential for teenagers, I think in any context, to have adults who will offer them support and who will be there in times of need."