Rising Number of Asylum Seekers Claiming to be Minors Found to be Adults in Ireland

Nearly 30% of individuals seeking international protection in Ireland after claiming to be unaccompanied minors have subsequently been determined to be adults, according to figures released by the Department of Justice. This represents over 140 people between 2024 and 2025.

Age Assessment Challenges and Safeguarding Concerns

The figures, initially provided to Fine Gael TD James Geoghegan of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), highlight a growing issue with age assessments within the Irish asylum system. Geoghegan has voiced significant concerns regarding safeguarding, stating that child protection placements are specifically designed for minors and are not equipped to accommodate adults, even on a temporary basis Irish Times.

Tusla and the Department of Justice Roles

The process involves the International Protection Office (IPO) referring unaccompanied minors to Tusla, the child and family agency, for assessment of eligibility for services under the Childcare Act. If Tusla determines an applicant is not an unaccompanied minor, the case is returned to the IPO for processing as an adult application Irish Times.

Recent disclosures have raised questions about the clarity of responsibility between Tusla and the Department of Justice. In October 2025, the Department of Justice informed the PAC that Tusla was responsible for age verification. However, a subsequent letter to the committee revealed that age verification is, in fact, the responsibility of the IPO Irish Examiner.

Nationalities and Numbers

Between 2024 and 2025, 592 individuals were referred to Tusla by the IPO. The majority of these referrals – two-thirds – were Somali or Afghan nationals, with a significant proportion claiming to be 16 or 17 years old. As of February 1, 2026, Tusla had made determinations on 491 of these cases, deeming 141 ineligible for services and 348 eligible Irish Times.

Tusla’s Capacity and Ongoing Challenges

A Tusla spokesperson acknowledged the ongoing challenges of scaling up services to meet the increasing number of unaccompanied minors arriving in Ireland.

Key Takeaways

• Nearly 30% of asylum seekers initially claiming to be unaccompanied minors are found to be adults.
• There is ongoing debate and apparent confusion regarding the responsibility for age assessment between Tusla and the Department of Justice.
• The majority of referrals for age assessment are from Somali and Afghan nationals, typically claiming to be 16 or 17 years old.
• Tusla is facing challenges in scaling up services to accommodate the increasing number of unaccompanied minors.