Statement on behalf of the minors involved with the protest at St Patrick's Cathedral by Freda McKittrick, Guardian ad Litem and Pól Ó Murchú, solicitor* (Barnardos, May 22nd, 2006)
The wardship for all nine young people involved with the protest in St Patrick's Cathedral has been extended for a period of four weeks by the president of the High Court. The minors remain in the care of the Health Service Executive (HSE) and are, at present, being cared for together with the aim of returning to normality as soon as possible.
The young people are taking food and drink and are making good progress.
The HSE is currently reviewing arrangements for the young people's day-to-day care to ensure they receive ongoing physical and psychological support following their voluntary departure from St Patrick's Cathedral on Saturday evening.
Each of the young people's situations is unique. All, however, are in education, with a number involved in sporting and community activities.
Each of the young people has expressed a desire to be active members of this society but spoke of their difficulties in concentrating on their studies when facing such an uncertain future.
The young people wished to make it clear that they did not intend to dishonour a place of worship and want it to be known that they saw the cathedral as a place of sanctuary and safety and that theirs was a just cause.
They state: "We went to the church to show to the authorities that we are having huge difficulties and wish to stay in Ireland, and if sent back to our country we will be at grave risk." Without the tireless commitment of the HSE staff, cathedral staff and Garda, who attended the Cathedral, there was a real chance that this protest could have ended in tragedy.
The minors will now return to their studies and will continue to pursue their claims for asylum through the prescribed channels.