asked the Minister for Education if it is intended that all laws relating to child care be incorporated into a composite Children's Act.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Child Care.
35.
It is not possible to consider this recommendation in isolation from other major related recommendations in the Kennedy Report. These matters include the future administrative structure for the discharge of the responsibility of the various aspects of child care and the provision of the most suitable form of school and residential accommodation. It is my intention that consideration of all the relevant issues should be expedited as much as possible.
I know the Parliamentary Secretary is very sympathetic to the recommendations, but would he be able to state when these recommendations will be fully implemented?
The Deputy is probably aware that this is a matter for the Government, as there are a number of Departments involved. I have personally met officials of two other Departments concerned. I have also met one of the groups specifically concerned in this matter already and I can assure the Deputy that I shall give the matter as much attention as possible.
The question of the age of criminal responsibility is of particular urgency.
That is not a matter for the Department of Education.
But it is a matter for the Government.
I suggest that the Deputy make representations to the Department of Justice.