asked the Minister for Health the proposals he has to update legislation in the field of family law with particular reference to the punishment and rehabilitation of child offenders.
137.
Written Answers. - Child Offenders.
136.
asked the Minister for Health when he proposes to amend the Children Act, 1908, to bring it into line with modern social thinking; and if the age of criminal responsibility will be reviewed and steps taken to ensure that the criminal capacity of children will be assessed at informal hearings.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 136 and 137 together.
The terms of reference of the Task Force on Child Care Services include consideration of the matters referred to in the Deputy's Questions. The report of the group is expected shortly. Assuming that the recommendations in the report are acceptable to the Government, a Bill giving effect to them will be introduced in the Oireachtas as soon as possible after the receipt of the report.