Vol. 477 No. 6
12 Mr. Hilliard asked the Minister for Social Welfare his views on the possible creation of a single Government Department which would have responsibility for the care and protection of children and families; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9922/97]
The establishment of a single Department with responsibility for the care and protection of children and families is a matter for consideration in the first instance by Government. As the Deputy is no doubt aware, responsibility for the care and protection of children rests with the Minister of State at the Departments of Health, Education and Justice, Deputy Currie.
Having regard to the problems facing families, I established the independent Commission on the Family in October 1995 to examine the needs and priorities of families in the rapidly changing social and economic environment of today. The Commission will make recommendations to the Government on proposals which would strengthen the capacity of families to carry out their functions in that environment. The Commission produced an interim report in November 1996 and has been asked to make its final report to the Government by June 1997. The recommendations of the Commission will form the basis for the development of an integrated policy to support families for the future.
