Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 July 2026
304. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the process by which unaccompanied minors seeking international protection are assessed on arrival at a port of entry; the State agencies involved in this process; the Department that is ultimately responsible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53864/26]
View answerThe Border Management Unit (BMU) of my Department has responsibility for frontline immigration duties at Dublin Airport only. Frontline immigration duties at other airports and ports of entry are the responsibility of An Garda Síochána.
The International Protection Act 2026 introduced a structured, statutory framework for the appointment and role of a child representative for unaccompanied minors. In the case of an unaccompanied minor at a port of entry requesting international protection, a child representative will be contacted to attend the port of entry and act on behalf of the unaccompanied minor during the international protection application process in line with their best interests. Once initial details for the unaccompanied minor are obtained at the port of entry, the representative will attend Citywest Screening Centre with them to further their application.
Section 55 of the International Protection Act 2026 sets out the legislative basis for carrying out an age assessment in line with the best interests of the child. Both this Act, and the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum, set out a series of safeguards in relation to dealing with presumed minors, including the procedure for age assessment.
Each applicant is required to provide any identity documents in their possession. Where doubts arise to the claimed age of the applicant, an age assessment is scheduled. In conducting an age assessment, the Determining Authority (the International Protection Office) may consider statements made by the applicant to an officer of the Minister, a member of An Garda Siochana, their appointed representative, an immigration officer, a member of staff of the Child and Family Agency (Tusla) and any documentary evidence available.
The applicant is provided with the opportunity to receive legal counselling and/or be appointed a legal representative, and a dedicated child representative supports them throughout all procedures. A professionally trained social care worker carries out a psychosocial assessment to support the age assessment decision.
If the applicant is deemed to be a minor, they are referred by the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to Tusla. Tusla will then undertake their own internal eligibility for services process. If, following completion of this process, Tusla disagrees with the Department’s decision, and believes the applicant to be an adult, they can refer the applicant back to the Department for a subsequent age assessment under Section 60 of the 2026 Act.
Section 57 of the 2026 Act provides for a medical examination to determine age once the applicant and/or their representative consent, and a designated health care professional will carry out the least invasive procedure possible that protects the applicant’s dignity.
The Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration has responsibility in this area and will establish a panel of qualified health care professionals to support this work where necessary.
