asked the Minister for Health the reason he has failed to allocate any money in the current Estimate for the implementation of the task force report on child care; and the purposes to which the money, which was allocated for this in the previous Government's estimates, is being put.
Written Answers. - Child Care Services.
294.
Part of the funds provided in the Health Estimates by the previous Government for use in connection with child care services have already been allocated for the expansion and development of day care services for children.
I am at present reviewing the financial position generally of the health services and will decide as soon as possible the extent to which further funds can be provided for the improvement of child care services in line with certain recommendations of the task force report.
Question No. 295 postponed.
296.
asked the Minister for Health whether responsibility for the planning, development and delivery of child-care services have been unified under his Department; and, if so, if he will indicate the functions which have been transferred to him.
I am in agreement with the recommendations of the Task Force on Child Care Services that services for deprived children should be unified, as far as possible under my Department.
The Government have already agreed to the transfer of responsibility for adoption services to me from the Minister for Justice. I propose to seek approval shortly for the transfer of responsibility for certain residential establishments which cater for deprived children and consideration is also given to the feasibility of transferring to me responsibility for certain other functions as recommended in the task force report.