I propose to take Questions Nos. 696, 697 and 698 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 must have a representative. All actions relating to representation must be grounded in the best interests of the child. The legislation calls for 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 to understand the process, while also ensuring those minors are supported 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.
A working group, which included senior representatives from the Department of Justice, Home Affair and Migration, Tusla, the Red Cross, the Legal Aid Board, An Garda Síochána and others - many of whom would have significant experience of working in the international protection system and with unaccompanied minors and children in need - inputted into 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 practised children and adolescent psychiatry.
Child representatives needed to have experience in engaging with other professionals, with a proven ability to demonstrate a high level of discretion and management of sensitive information. Representatives have to have Garda vetting clearance. Additionally, experience of assessing non-verbal cues and experience of working with children with children of different ages, abilities, backgrounds and cultures and experience of working with children with complex needs were considered desirable attributes.
The body 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.
The contract is in place for a pilot phase of six months, during which time a comprehensive evaluation will take place. This evaluation will inform decisions on how the programme will continue. The Department is satisfied that the successful winner of the process fulfils the requirements as outlined.
