Irish society has become accustomed to regular bouts of hand-wringing following public outrage over the abuse of children, of people in institutions and the elderly. These scandals are regularly accompanied by the self-serving refrain: “if only we knew”. Well, there can be no hiding from harsh official regulations on this occasion. Unaccompanied minors who arrived in this country seeking help and safety are being denied care and education on reaching the age of eighteen. At a time of extreme vulnerability, their lives and future prospects are being blighted.

What is particularly upsetting is that many of these children have been placed with foster families and been through the school system up to Leaving Cert level. On reaching the age of eighteen, however, they lose the right to care and education and face potential deportation, removal from foster families and being placed in direct provision centres. Such an age-limited regime is too strict and should be modified. Research into the treatment of unaccompanied children by Dr Muireann Ni Raghaiiaigh of UCD found that these young people - the number has now fallen to seventy-one - dread coming of age because of the loss of stability and certainty in their lives. She urged the provision of aftercare, through suitable accommodation and support.

Advocates of a more humane system have acknowledged improvements made by the HSE. The number of unaccompanied minors seeking asylum here peaked at more than one thousand in 2001. By 2004, these vulnerable children were being targeted by traffickers and fifty-two children went missing from unsupported hostel accommodation. The HSE then provided foster families and supported lodgings and it favours the provision of an independent complaints procedure for these children. The number of unaccompanied minors in care has fallen considerably since the draconian Immigration, Residence and Protection Bill was published five years ago. That legislation is still before the Dail and requires revision.