Michael Ferris
Question:45 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Health and Children the cost of implementing the national guidelines for the protection and welfare of children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18314/99]
Vol. 508 No. 2
45 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Health and Children the cost of implementing the national guidelines for the protection and welfare of children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18314/99]
New national guidelines entitled "Children First – National Guidelines for the Protection and Welfare of Children" were published on 21 September 1999. The Government has agreed that these national guidelines will be applied consistently by all health boards, Government Departments and organisations providing services to children.
Implementation of the guidelines will take some time and will require careful planning and co-ordination. My officials are liaising closely with health board management in this regard. An implementation group at health board level has been established and plans are under way to develop the implementation strategy necessary for the successful integration of the new guidelines into the day to day operations of the boards.
I have also recently sanctioned an additional post for the social services inspectorate. One of the main functions of this inspector will be to monitor the implementation of Children First at health board level.