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IRELAND IS TO accept five unaccompanied migrant minors to Ireland from Malta after EU countries struck a deal with the Mediterranean country.
Almost 50 migrants who were stranded at sea for weeks aboard two rescue ships arrived in Malta yesterday following the deal, ending a standoff was branded “shameful” by rights groups.
The 49 migrants, including a baby and several children, were rescued by two boats on 22 and 29 December while attempting to make the dangerous Mediterranean crossing from North Africa to Europe.
But with no country allowing them to dock, they were left stranded off the coast of Malta, suffering seasickness and dehydration, with some briefly refusing food and an onboard doctor warning of psychological stress.
Malta Prime Minister Joseph Muscat yesterday said that an “ad hoc agreement has been reached”, adding that the deal included a decision on the fate of 249 rescued migrants already on the island.
He also said that of the total of 298 migrants, 176 would be sent to Germany, France, Portugal, Ireland, Romania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands and Italy.
Another 78 will be allowed to stay in Malta, and 44 Bangladeshi migrants will be sent back to their country.
Unaccompanied minors
The Department of Justice confirmed in a statement that Ireland will accept the minors from Malta.
Speaking upon the conclusion of discussions between Irish officials with the Maltese authorities and the European Commission, Minister Charlie Flanagan said: “I am pleased to announce that we will offer to welcome five unaccompanied minors to Ireland from Malta.
These children have been rescued from the Mediterranean Sea in humanitarian search and rescue missions and have been through a terrible ordeal.
The children will be welcomed to Ireland under the Irish Refugee Protection Programme.
Upon referral to Tusla’s team for separated children seeking asylum (TSCSA), a child is provided with an intake assessment which examines their identity, family, known health issues, education experience, journey in Ireland, significant pre-migration events, screening for trafficking indicators and identifying any possible Irish and/or EU resources.
Speaking to RTÉ Radio One’s Morning Ireland, Jody Clarke, public affairs at UNHCR, said that Tusla, the Child and Family Agency will now determine what the best course of action is for the children.
Tusla has the statutory responsibility for the care of unaccompanied minors in the State.
“The majority of children of children who have crossed in similar circumstances … let’s say last year, about 20,000 children crossed the Mediterranean. The majority were unaccompanied and separated children, that means they either didn’t have a parent with them or they maybe had an adult with them that wasn’t their parent,” Clarke said.
“What happens in these circumstances is that Tusla will determine what’s in the best interest of the children, so that may be to apply for asylum for the children, it may be that it’s not, but it’s obviously a very important decision,” he said.
Clarke added that Tusla will determine what the best form of accommodation is for the children, for example, foster care, or in the case of older children, residential settings.
In a statement, Tusla said:
The priority for separated children arriving into Ireland is to place them with their family where possible.
“Where family reunification is not possible, a child is placed with a suitable foster family. Tusla has a number of foster carers specifically trained in the unique experiences and needs of separated children in Ireland.”
With reporting by Stephen McDermott
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I didn’t do my homework because my Granny died.
@John Smith: hahaha I was literally just gonna write something very similar. Classic school homework excuse territory here
@John Smith: classic.
@John Smith: The queen made me do it, ffs take responsibility.
@John Smith: more like, I didn’t do my homework because someone else’s granny died. Someone I’ve never met cause me to crash the countries economy
Good man blame the dead, how low.
Kwami-Kwazi Kwashed the United Kwingdom because he felt kwushed by the Kween’s Death…
Seriously!?!? If this is true that actually makes it worse. It means that not only was it not thought through it was based on an emotional response. He and Truss almost ruined the British economy based on a snap decision not based on economic logic. This is crazy that he somehow thinks that makes it OK. The man really seems to be on the spectrum from what I’ve seen of him. Not that that’s a bad thing but not great when you are in charge of a countries finances.
Is he for real?
No comeback blaming a dead woman!
Queen’s passing is very fresh in the UK’s electorates mines… It’s a aparticularly bad idea to mention her death and his stupid mistake in the one sentence. Cant seeing him being in the job past halloween.
Ah yeah, blame poor Liz. Honestly the excuses are getting more ridiculous. None of them have a clue what they’re at
Glad he’s holding firm on the benefits. Working has to outweigh claiming the scratcher.
@Danny Gibson: what, like kwatengs work?
@Danny Gibson: Benefits? Hardly means you should start squeezing the poor because you’ve just discovered benefitting the rich isn’t working. Besides, some of the poor have jobs – it just doesn’t pay the bills any more, and not all the rich work do they, some are just lazing about letting the old dosh do the work for them. So what’s fair? The answer’s not always straightforward.
He is absolutely shameless. It must be something they learn at Eton. Arrogant posh boys blame everyone but themselves.
Just as well she didn’t arise after 3 days…could have cost him his head.
@Donal Desmond: Well at least he didn’t deny that he knew her before the rooster crowed.
@Mick Tobin: The thirty pieces of silver would have gone to the rich. It would eventually trickle down to the remaining eleven.
What a t__t
Pathetic
As thick as two short planks.
Almost makes you pine for Boris, Dorries and Patel…..
@Insider at RTE: almost though Patel was particularly toxic on many levels.
Big boys made me do it.
Will they ever stop telling lies…
And the bankers need extra bonuses
have your say