Harney rejects criticism over asylum-seeking children

The Tanaiste and Minister for Health Mary Harney has rejected claims that the Government is failing to protect asylum-seeking children.

The Health Service Executive has expressed concern that some foreign children who have disappeared from its care in recent years may have become the victims of exploitation.

The executive also accused the Government of failing to provide the resources needed to prevent these children from being exploited.

However, asked about the issue in Dublin this morning, Ms Harney insisted this was untrue.

"The HSE now get almost €11bn next year for services and it's a matter for the HSE to prioritise where that money goes," she said.