Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 4 Feb 1998

Vol. 486 No. 4

Written Answers. - Child Care Services.

Austin Currie

Question:

12 Mr. Currie asked the Taoiseach whether he intends to make changes of responsibility within his Government team in view of criticism of the lack of co-ordination of our child care services at a recent United Nations Rights of the Child hearing in Geneva; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1603/98]

Dan Neville

Question:

13 Mr. Neville asked the Taoiseach if he will clarify whether ministerial responsibility for children's affairs has been changed in view of the statements made by Minister of State, Deputy O'Donnell, at the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child meeting in Geneva. [1699/98]

The Taoiseach

I propose to take Questions Nos. 12 and 13 together.

The Government at its meeting on 21 January 1998 appointed Deputy Frank Fahey, Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children, with special responsibility for children, to be also Minister of State at the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform and at the Department of Education and Science. The allocation of responsibilities between Departments is not being amended.

The Minister of State will co-ordinate the activities of all these Departments in the child care area. He will be supported in this task by a cross-departmental team of officials, who will report to him directly. I believe these arrangements will expedite implementation of the Government's initiatives to address issues in this area.

Deputies will be aware that the report discussed with the Minister of State, Deputy O'Donnell, at her meeting with the UN Committee at Geneva was submitted in April 1996. It was Ireland's first report under the UN Rights of the Child Convention, ratified in September 1992.

The Government recognises that co-ordination of child policy is a key element in safeguarding children's rights in our society. I am satified that the new arrangements will ensure the efficient and effective delivery of services in the child care area.