I propose to take Questions Nos. 396, 397 and 398 together.
The International Protection Act 2026 introduces a structured, statutory framework for the appointment and role of a child representative for unaccompanied minors. The provisions are materially stronger and more explicit than under the 2015 Act, and are aligned with the EU Pact requirements.
Every unaccompanied minor applying for international protection is assigned a representative in line with their best interests. The legislation requires the representative to represent, assist and act on behalf of the unaccompanied minor, safeguarding the best interests and well-being of the child.
Specifically, the process is designed to ensure that minors have the support they need with clear, accessible information about the international protection process, and are given meaningful opportunities to express their views in a manner appropriate to their age, development, and individual needs.
Under the Act, the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration is responsible for appointing the representatives required.
A working group, which included senior representatives from the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, Tusla, the Legal Aid Board, An Garda Síochána and others input to the requirements and qualifications required of a child representative.
In appointing an appropriate body to provide these services, it was required that the successful organisation should employ staff who had at least three years’ experience in the provision of services to children and who were:
- CORU registered social care workers or
- CORU registered Speech and Language Therapist or
- CORU registered Occupational Therapist, or
- a teacher registered with the Teaching Council, or
- a psychologist who has practiced children and adolescent psychiatry.
Child representatives were required to have experience in engaging with other professionals and a proven ability to demonstrate a high level of discretion and management of sensitive information. Representatives also needed to have Garda vetting clearance.
Additionally, experience of assessing non-verbal cues and experience of working with children of different ages, abilities, backgrounds and cultures and experience of working with children with complex needs were considered desirable attributes.
The company appointed to run the service is obliged to ensure all unaccompanied minor representatives met the standards as outlined. The process specifically considered respondents who had experience of working with separated families and unaccompanied minors and those who had knowledge of the legal process and children’s rights.
Following a competitive process, AllPro Services was identified as the strongest applicant for this role.
AllPro confirmed previous relevant experience including responding to emergency welfare presentations involving underage homeless individuals and vulnerable young people. Child representatives are CORU registered, provide cover across the country and are available to attend airport or port as necessary with a very short timeframe.
This contract is in place for an initial six months and provides for a level of service rather than a number of staff. During this time a comprehensive evaluation will be conducted by my officials and this will inform discussions on how the programme should continue.
