Aontú leader Peadar Tóibín has raised serious concerns on how 29 children are currently missing from state care, saying: “This demands urgent action – the risk cannot be ignored.”
Deputy Tóibín established how dozens are missing from Tusla care – including unaccompanied minors – in replies to parliamentary questions he submitted on the issue.
He said: “These figures are deeply alarming. Most of the children are stated as being missing for weeks. We know from previous cases that some children arriving into this country alone have disappeared within hours or days and have been subjected to trafficking and exploitation. We know they are being groomed for sexual exploitation and drug dealing. That’s a risk that cannot be ignored.”
The latest data reveals that 29 children are currently missing from Tusla care, including 24 separated children seeking international protection. Of these children 24 have been missing for a period of two weeks or more. The figures come against a wider backdrop of a system under increasing pressure.
His queries revealed 212 children are currently awaiting residential placements with 72 children in emergency care arrangements, some for extended periods of up to three years despite these placements being intended as short-term safeguards.
He said: “This is happening in the context of a system that is clearly under strain. Hundreds of children cannot access appropriate placements and are instead placed in unstable or emergency arrangements. When stability is missing, the risk to children increases.”
“I have also raised a specific case with the Minister concerning a child who went missing from a Special Emergency Arrangement within 24 hours of her being placed there. That child was found a year later in a brothel. I asked the minister to confirm if individuals have been prosecuted connected to the exploitation of this child, no update has been provided. That lack of transparency is unacceptable when a child is missing.”
The Meath West TD added: “Every child in State care should be safe. The fact that children can go missing and remain missing for weeks demands urgent action. We need stronger safeguards, greater transparency, and a system that ensures no vulnerable child disappears without trace.”
