Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 8 Jul 1993

Vol. 433 No. 7

Written Answers. - Child Care Unit.

Liz McManus

Question:

137 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Health if he will give the purpose and function of the proposed new Child Care Unit within his Department; the way in which it will differ from the Childcare Division already in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Health (Mr. Howlin)

The Child Care Policy Unit which I have established within my Department will be involved in the formulation and implementation of policy in the area of child care and family welfare with particular reference to child abuse, child care, adoption and youth homelessness.

In particular the new unit will have responsibility, in consultation with the health boards and other relevant bodies, for—

—the preparation of the regulations, guidelines and Protocols required for the implementation of all remaining sections of the Child Care Act;

—the development of child care and family support services in accordance with the provisions of the Child Care Act;

—ensuring that the recommendations of the Kilkenny Incest Investigation are followed up by all the relevant agencies.

Prior to the establishment of the new unit, the staff working on child care within my Department also had responsibilities for other services. The new unit will concentrate exclusively on the child care area and I have arranged to have the other functions reassigned to other areas of my Department.