During the extension of an interim care order for an unaccompanied minor the judge in Dublin District Court sought information on the child’s education for integration into Irish society.
The CFA’s legal representative said that the child’s situation remained largely unchanged from the previous court date. She informed the judge that the child was engaged in job and English language training. The CFA hoped that he could start mainstream school the following September. She said the child was in a placement and was doing well.
The GAL’s lawyer said she supported the extension of the interim care order. She informed the judge that a decision from International Protection Office in relation to the child’s international protection claim was awaited.
The judge told the CFA’s lawyer that he wanted evidence of what education the child was receiving to support his integration into Irish society. He said that it was important that the child be told about gender equality, respect for different sexual orientations and the constitutional values upholding the State. “We have a constitution, we have equality. You can be gay, you can be straight.”
The judge said the patience of the court was being strained by a lack of information about these concerns. He said the child must be “integrated in all facets” and that “we don’t want to import the mores of a third world country.” He said that he would refuse further extensions of ICO applications if this information was not available.
The judge was satisfied that the child was in the state without a guardian and extended the interim care order. He said he expected an update about what, if any, integration training was being required on the next date.