Joe Walsh
Question:54 Mr. J. Walsh asked the Minister for Health the plans, if any, he has to implement any of the recommendations in the recent Barnardo's document entitled Children First; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12172/96]
Written Answers. - Barnardo's Report.
As I indicated in my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 72 of 24 April last, I welcome the publication by Barnardo's of the report Children First.
The Government, through its policy document A Government of Renewal is clearly committed to developing adequate policies and services to assist vulnerable children and their families. This involves a combination of legislative and service measures in certain key areas which include the implementation of the Child Care Act, the preparation of a new children's Bill, significant improvements in the areas of child benefit and prevention of drug misuse, and the publication of the White Paper on Education. The recommendations in the Barnardo's report are being considered in the context of the Government's commitment to implement measures to most effectively assist vulnerable children and families within our society.