Five child asylum seekers who went missing from Tusla care in 2024 have still not been located and returned to care. Some 22 of these young people went missing in 2025, while another five went missing in 2024. “Children missing from care who are unaccounted for are predominantly a phenomenon involving Separated Children Seeking International Protection,” Ms Foley told Mr Tóibín. Of the eight children missing from “mainstream” care on December 4, seven were missing for three days or fewer, while the other child was missing for more than two weeks. “There are eight children missing from mainstream care and 28 missing who are unaccompanied minors seeking international protection.

Source: Irish Examiner January 13, 2026 08:20 UTC