Question
40. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality her plans to seek a review of the UNCHR policy in relation to resettlements of refugees here and other countries with respect to the policy of deprioritising of children with long term illnesses for resettlement in view of a recent report (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22410/17]
Answer
Minister of State at the Department of Justice and Equality (Deputy David Stanton): While Ireland works closely with the UNHCR in relation to resettling refugees here, the policies adopted by the UNHCR in seeking to carry out its vital work are of course a matter for that organisation. I understand, however, that the UNHCR strives to identify the people most in need of resettlement, and that it generally prioritises refugees for resettlement based on vulnerability criteria, such as women and girls at risk, people with disabilities and health needs, and survivors of torture.